Kennedy calls for change in Compensation Law
The Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Newry & Armagh Cllr Danny Kennedy MLA has called on the Government to change the law in respect of criminal damage compensation to local Community and Orange Halls.
Addressing members of Edenderry Ulster Unionist Branch in the Constituency of Upper Bann (Tuesday 30th) Mr Kennedy said changes to the law were absolutely necessary given the ongoing campaign against Orange property particularly in Co Armagh and the reluctance of the security and political authorities to clearly identify and name by organization the republican perpetrators.
He said Orange Order Officials were finding it increasingly difficult if not impossible to have issued to them a Chief Constable’s Certificate confirming the political and sectarian nature of attacks against their properties and this effectively blocked any entitlement to compensation.
Mr Kennedy said the current situation was unacceptable and the Government should act immediately to amend the relevant legislation.
The Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Assembly Party said that he found it deeply ironic that at a time when the DUP and Sinn Fein were partners in Government Orange Halls continued to be damaged and destroyed and nothing was being done to ensure compensation was available.
Mr Kennedy said the clear message to republicans was – LEAVE OUR ORANGE HALLS ALONE.