Nesbitt hails courage of victims after pension vow
Actor Nesbitt says decision is long overdue
ACTOR James Nesbitt has hailed those who campaigned for a pension for people seriously injured in the Troubles, after Stormont promised to pay for the scheme.
Mr Nesbitt, a patron of the WAVE injured group, described it as “wonderful news”.
“You could not meet a more courageous and indomitable group of men and women,” he said. “Making this payment scheme a reality is an extraordinary achievement and I salute them.”
The Appeal Court has accepted a pledge from the Executive it would fund the scheme, after a row between Stormont and London over who would foot the bill.
ACTOR James Nesbitt has hailed the courage and tenacity of those seriously injured in the Troubles after the Executive formally pledged to pay for a pension scheme.
“This is wonderful news and it is long overdue,” said Mr Nesbitt, a patron of WAVE trauma centre.
He said the outcome followed tireless campaigning over the years.
“You could not meet a more courageous and indomitable group of men and women,” he said.
“Despite their horrendous life changing injuries they don’t look for sympathy, let alone pity.
“They fought for recognition for those like themselves whose lives were catastrophically changed in an instant.”
He added: “They were never in the wrong pace at the wrong time. They were at work, enjoying a coffee in the city centre, at home with their family, returning from a day out or an evening at the cinema.
“Making this payment scheme a reality is an extraordinary achievement and I salute them.”
The Court of Appeal yesterday accepted an undertaking from the Executive that it would provide the necessary funding for the scheme for Troubles victims.
The move follows a stand-off between Stormont and Westminster over who will foot the bill which could run to £1.2bn.
While the Executive has agreed to fund the scheme come what may, ministers have insisted that efforts to have the Treasury stump up more cash will continue.
Margaret Yeaman who was blinded in an IRA car bomb in Banbridge in 1982 said: “I welcome the commitment that Stormont has made, but I won’t believe it until the payments are actually made.
“We have had so many knockbacks over the years. Hopefully, this time we have secured what we deserve.
“We campaigned very hard for this. We stood in the rain, sleet and snow.”
Alan Mcbride, whose wife Sharon and father-in-law Desmond Frizzell, were killed in the IRA’S 1993 Shankill bomb, hailed the Executive’s commitment as “fantastic news”.
He said: “I’m delighted for all those who have put so much effort into getting this result, although it should have happened years ago.
“I hope that a common-sense approach is taken over the sharing of the cost between London and Stormont.”
The Commission for Victims and Survivors also welcomed the financial underpinning of the scheme.
It said: “This has been a source of pain and frustration for too long and it is unfortunate that court proceedings were seemingly the only way to finally deliver on some element of recognition.
“Sadly, it has come too late for some and our thoughts are with the families for whom this news will likely be bittersweet.
“We hope this is the first step in properly addressing the past and the needs of people impacted by it.
“Now more than ever, it is imperative that everyone, from every corner of society, show renewed compassion, vigour and determination to this work. A sustainable peace is dependent on it.”
In a joint statement, First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill, Justice Minister Naomi Long and
Finance Minister Conor Murphy said: “The court has accepted our undertaking that payments will be made to successful applicants under the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.
“We remain committed to delivering the scheme and are mindful of the needs of victims and survivors who will be recipients of the payment.
“This undertaking provides reassurance and confidence that payments will be made when they fall due under the terms of the scheme, regardless of where the funding comes from.
“We will continue to progress financial discussions with the Westminster Government in the context of their funding responsibilities for the scheme.”
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said: “Wrangling with the UK Government over long-term funding for the scheme may continue, but injured victims should not be punished any longer.
“The Executive must move immediately to provide certainty around application and payment
‘They should not have had to wait this long’
dates, as well as how those who have waited longest might be prioritised within the scheme.”
SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly said: “People who have suffered severe physical and mental injury over the course of conflict here have waited for far too long for recognition and redress.
“There will be many victims and survivors today who will be wary of accepting the word of politicians, however.
“The failure of political leaders to design and implement a scheme more than two decades after the Good Friday Agreement has left survivors understandably exhausted and vigilant against false hope.”
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods said: “The campaigners have shown admirable fortitude and courage in the face of setback after setback.
“They should not have had to wait this long and sadly many people have passed away while waiting for any form of payment.
“Additional clarity on the payment scheme will be helpful.”