Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin remains committed to pension scheme for all victims of Troubles

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon
Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon

SINN Féin has said it remains committed to securing a payment scheme for all victims of the Troubles – including those injured by 'their own hand'.

The party has been critical of the pension legislation passed at Westminster when the Stormont institutions were dormant, because it excludes those who were injured and subsequently prosecuted for a related offence.

The party has previously described the guidance for eligibility as discriminatory and unacceptable.

In a joint statement yesterday from the four relevant Stormont ministers – including Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and her Sinn Féin colleague and Finance Minister Conor Murphy – it was accepted that payments will be made to "successful applicants" under the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.

While the ministers pledged to push the Westminster government for greater funding, they did not refer to any dispute over eligibility criteria.

However, Sinn Féin legacy spokesperson Linda Dillon last night said her party was not consulted on the legislation and suggested there may be future efforts to make changes.

"This matter lies within the legislative competence of the assembly," Ms Dillon said.

"Sinn Féin remains focussed on the creation of a victims payment scheme for all those who were seriously injured, either physically or psychologically, as a result of the conflict, based solely on need."