Victims Groups are suffering needlessly as a result of Victims Commissioner Hold-Up
Ulster Unionist Victims spokesman Derek Hussey today said that Victims’ groups were suffering needlessly as a result of the hold-up in appointing a Victims’ Commissioner.
In a statement Mr Hussey said,
“I express my concern over the on-going issue of the appointment of a Victims’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
Whilst we await an OFMDFM decision on this matter, Victims’ Groups are suffering!
There is no reason why the issue of core funding to Victims’ Groups cannot be addressed NOW within OFMDFM wherein the responsibility, via the Victims’ Unit, lies.
Undoubtedly, we as the UUP, have some concerns in regard to particular items within the past Interim Victims’ Commissioners Report! However, those issues that are common should be addressed.
To give confidence to the Victims’ Sector that they are not abandoned, they need to see work in progress rather than further provarication.
It lies within the remit of OFMDFM to advance those issues that can be immediately addressed.”