SDLP Foyleside Councillor has welcomed the Minister of Health’s announcement in relation to increased payments for beneficiaries of the Infected Blood Payment Scheme.
And she has called for no further delay in implementation of the scheme.
At the weekend Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed annual payments would now range from £18,745 to just under £45,000.
This would bring them in line with payments made in England, which were significantly increased in April 2019.
Said Miss Durkan said: “This indication of an increase in payments is good news for those in the North who have been affected by the contaminated blood scandal that has been the subject of a UK-wide public inquiry.
“These individuals and families have already experienced undue delay in their pursuit of answers and justice. At least this increased financial support will provide some certainty.
“Most importantly, the payment increase addresses an existing disparity, brining payments here in line with neighbouring regions.
“We all know that delays only add to pain and suffering.
“We must seek assurances that those affected will not face any further delay in receiving payments.
“We must also pay tribute to those who have campaigned with stoicism and dignity for years to get answers on the blood infections scandal.
“The work of the Langstaff Inquiry is ongoing, but families are beginning to see the fruits of years of hard work by dedicated campaigners.
SDLP Foyleside Councillor Mary Durkan
“The reality is that many affected individuals will not live to see those findings, so it is important to keep moving on these payments.”
Miss Durkan added: “I also welcome the Minister’s clear intention to conduct a survey of all scheme beneficiaries in the North.
“The findings of this survey will help to identify gaps in psychological support.
“It is so important that resource allocation is informed by an understanding of the full impact of blood infection on lives.
“That extends to lives of non-infected and bereaved family members.”
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