Troubles payments pledge is welcomed

STORMONT ministers have said resolution of a legal stand-off over the funding of a Troubles payment scheme will provide certainty for victims.

The Court of Appeal in Belfast has been given an undertaking from the Executive that it will provide the necessary funding for the scheme for those injured in the conflict.

While ministers continue to press the UK Government to inject additional cash into the Executive coffers to help cover the cost of the scheme, Stormont has assured Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and fellow Appeal court judges that it will be funded, come what may.

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 today accepted our undertaking that payments will be made to successful applicants.

“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.”