THE Executive Office is facing criticism over its failure to fill the Victims Commissioner's post, which will be vacant within a matter of days.
The current commissioner, Judith Thompson, is due to finish her already extended tenure at the end of next week.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath, chairman of the committee tasked with scrutinising the first and deputy first minister's office, said it "appears completely irrational" that Ms Thompson's term has not been further extended, at least until new arrangements are in place.
It is understood that Ms Thompson had been prepared to continue in her post but that First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister chose not to extend her term, even temporarily.
Last year, in the absence of the devolved institutions, the Northern Ireland Office extended the commissioner's four-year term by 12 months.
The process of appointing Ms Thompson's successor has yet to begin and is expected to take several months to complete.
Mr McGrath said it was "extraordinary" that Mrs Foster and Ms O'Neill were prepared to leave the role vacant at a "critical time for victims and survivors".
The first and deputy first minister's office has this week faced a legal challenge over the delay in implementing a Troubles pension.
The proceedings were brought by Jennifier McNern, who lost her legs in a 1972 IRA bomb attack on the Abercorn Restaurant in Belfast city centre, and Brian Turley, one of the so-called Hooded Men.
A judge is expected to rule on the case today.
Mr McGrath said the continued failure to implement the pension scheme alongside the British government's "unilateral departure from the Stormont House legacy approach" meant it was crucial that victims and survivors had an advocate.
"There appears to be no urgency whatsoever from the first ministers in putting interim arrangements in place or recruiting a new commissioner – it’s an appalling abdication of responsibility," the South Down MLA said.
An Executive Office spokesperson said: “The process to appoint a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors is under consideration.”
