Confirmation that Stormont will pay for the Troubles pension scheme is a hugely positive development but it is regrettable that has taken so long for victims and survivors to receive the certainty they deserve.
It is also deeply disappointing that those who have suffered so much have had to resort to legal action to secure the financial support they are entitled to expect.
The Court of Appeal heard yesterday that the Executive Office has formally pledged to pay for the pension scheme with the Department of Finance undertaking to make the necessary funding available to ensure eligible victims and survivors receive compensation.
The development was not unexpected and came after the courts earlier this year declared that the Executive Office is under a legal duty to fund the pensions. Last month Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan indicated he was 'strongly minded' to impose a court order unless Stormont gave an undertaking to cover payments.
Legal proceedings had been taken by Brian Turley, one of the 'Hooded Men', amid a row between Stormont and Westminster over who should fund the scheme.
The fact that the executive has agreed to ensure successful applicants receive their money is a significant step forward although questions remain over the British government's contribution to the scheme, which is estimated may cost up to £1.2 billion over twenty years.
It is unfortunate that those who have suffered dreadful physical and psychological injuries as a result of our conflict have had to face so many delays and hurdles to money that will help to provide vital support.
Alan McBride of the Wave Trauma Centre, who lost his wife and father in law in the Shankill bomb, pointed out that the campaign for a pension had been going on for 13 years. During that time, a number of victims and survivors have passed away.
Having received this important undertaking from the Executive Office, it is essential that those entitled to payments are not subjected to any further delays.
The scheme must get up and running as soon as possible and money distributed to eligible applicants who have already waited much longer than they should have.
