Commons Sense

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Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme 2024-01-17

2024-01-17

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Martin Docherty
▸ Context
The MP is concerned about timely payments to eligible individuals under a specific scheme in Northern Ireland.
What recent discussions has he had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on ensuring timely payments from the troubles permanent disablement payment scheme to eligible individuals?
Chris Heaton-Harris
The troubles permanent disablement payment scheme is a devolved matter delivered by the Victims' Payments Board. I met Judge McAlinden, the president of the board, last week to discuss those matters.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timelines for ensuring timely payments were not provided.
Like The Hon. Member, I Too Am Quite Surprised That He Is That Popular.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Martin Docherty
▸ Context
Recent evidence shows it could take over a decade to process applications, delaying much-needed compensation.
Can the Secretary of State advise what his Government are doing to deliver the compensation scheme given that according to recent evidence presented to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, it could take more than 10 years to process the applications?
Chris Heaton-Harris
Having met Judge McAlinden, I am conducting a review of the operation of the scheme which will report before August this year. The review is under way and aims to address these matters so that those who qualify for payments get them in a much more expedited way.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or actions to ensure timely processing were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Richard Thomson
▸ Context
There is a risk that many eligible individuals might miss out due to delays in gathering evidence and pressures on the payments board.
Given the risks of missing deadlines, will he consider extending the deadline as part of his review?
Chris Heaton-Harris
Yes, that is actually part of the review and one of the questions we are looking at.
▸ Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment to extend deadlines or timelines was given.
Response accuracy