A pension scheme for people injured during the Troubles opened yesterday in the North, with one MLA describing it as a welcome but long overdue development.
West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan says this scheme should have opened years ago, but political infighting and a refusal to take responsibility has seen it beset by delays.
Now, he says many victims who campaigned long and hard to see this scheme become a reality have now passed on.
He paid particular tribute to the bereaved families and victims of the Omagh bomb, as they continue their campaign for justice and a public enquiry.
Mr McCrossan says those injured in the atrocity have shown inspirational perseverance, and he hopes this pension will go some way to making their lives easier as they cope with their injuries.
He says, however there are some concerns, with the scheme’s costs set to exceed £1 billion and the British Government he claims refusing to pay its fair share of that figure.
Mr McCrossan also says he’s concerned that the private company Capita will administer the scheme and carry out assessments of victims, particularly after it was criticised for the way it administered the Personal Independence Payment scheme.
Pic – Daniel McCrossan and SDLP Policing spokesperson Dolores Kelly MLA, along with members of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group
