“Money for Victims should be good news after much lobbying”, says Elliott
Friday, November 30th, 2007
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott will tell an Ulster Unionist Party meeting in Kilkeel tonight that the 20 Million pounds highlighted in the budget to be invested in ‘New funding arrangements for victims and survivors’ should be good news, if managed properly.
Mr Elliott said: “I am pleased with the news of the 20 million pounds. I have campaigned hard for proper resources to be provided for victims and survivors throughout my time as an MLA since 2003. I am hopeful that with the money now being made available over the next three years initiatives can be taken and the people of Northern Ireland can receive support for the trauma that many of us where subjected to for thirty years.”
The money has been ‘ear-marked’ for three separate release amounts. Next year will see 0.66 million made available with 8.68 million and 10.78 million made available in 2009 and 2010 respectively. While Mr Elliott has welcomed the news he also has reservations about the release of the money.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA stated: “Now that the money is available we have to make sure that it is fully invested in meeting the needs of victims and survivors. This money cannot be wasted on administration as happens so often in many institutions. Furthermore, we have to make sure that no money reaches the hands of terrorists who caused so much grief and pain. It is because of their actions that this money is needed, and they should not get a penny. This money is to support the innocent who suffered, not for those who would have us believe that they suffered in equal measure to those who lost innocent family members. From the word go we need to be on top of these issues to make sure they don’t develop.
“The one disappointment I have is that the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund is only marked down to receive 0.5 million each year until 2011. This organisation has worked tirelessly to help many individuals and groups across Northern Ireland and deserves much praise. No doubt it will continue its wonderful work with the resources it receives, and along with the new investment for victims and survivors I believe the future looks brighter in terms of comfort and support for many people across the country.”
“It is long overdue for the real victims of this society to get proper recognition and access to reasonable sources of funding. The perpetrators of the violence and terrorists in this province have held the community to ransom for far too long. It is now time for real action on behalf of these citizens.”