SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
Mr Eastwood said that a disagreement over finance between the Executive and Westminster should not prevent the nomination of a lead department and progress with award assessments.
Said the Foyle MP: “Victims and survivors have been forced to mount an extraordinary campaign for recognition, respect and compensation for the grievous injuries many suffered in the course of conflict.
“It speaks to our priorities as a society that they have again been told to wait while politicians argue over the bill.
“It’s not good enough.
“I understand the very real resource concerns that exist at the Executive level.
“And I agree that the British Government should make additional funds available.
“But that should not stop the nomination of a lead department to take the scheme forward, the creation of a budget line to allow funds to be allocated quickly and progress on panel assessments to determine the scale of individual awards.
“If there is some other reason behind the delay, it’s important that it’s given a public airing now. Victims and survivors have waited for far too long for this recognition.
“After lauding the agreement to deliver this pension, it would be cruel for political leaders to snatch it away now.”
