Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Payments for Victims of the Troubles

Wednesday 2 September 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Randall expressed disappointment that legal action was necessary to designate the Department of Justice for the victims' payment scheme.
  • Simon Hoare inquired about additional funding beyond the allocated 150 million to ensure the pension scheme can proceed.
  • Jim Shannon asked about steps to recoup legal costs from Sinn Fin for funding a court case challenging the designation of the Department.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Randall Con Clwyd South
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

The scheme's implementation is delayed and requires administrative support.

Question

I, too, welcome the news that the Department of Justice has been designated to implement the victims' payment scheme, but does my right hon. Friend share my disappointment that it took a court to tell Sinn Féin to stop playing politics and finally designate the Department?

Answer from Brandon Lewis (The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

My hon. Friend is right. I have consistently expressed my disappointment—to say the least—at the lack of progress in establishing the scheme, as have the First Minister and others. It was wrong for Sinn Féin to hold up the process of designating the Department. I am pleased that it has now happened, but it is a shame that it took a court case.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Northern Ireland Benefits & Welfare
Context

The New Decade, New Approach agreement set aside £150 million for resolving historical cases. However, concerns remain about funding the pension scheme adequately.

Question

My right hon. Friend is correct to highlight the £150 million allocated but the pension scheme's funding remains a concern as noted by the Select Committee. Can he confirm that additional moneys required beyond the £150 million will be provided via the block grant so justice can be served and payments made in full and on time?

Answer from Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

This matter is devolved with funding coming from the block grant. Discussions will proceed as usual, but given that the money is already set aside, the Executive can move forward and start making these essential payments to those who have waited long enough.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Benefits & Welfare
Context

Legal fees were incurred because Sinn Féin refused to designate a Department and appoint a Minister, leading to an illegal situation according to the court.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for his efforts regarding the victims' pension fund. Can he outline steps taken to recoup legal costs from Sinn Féin who funded a court case solely due to their refusal to act appropriately?

Answer from Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

The court ruled that the Executive's failure to designate a Department, as directed by the Deputy First Minister, was illegal. The Finance Ministry will carefully consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to ensure Northern Ireland's finances are wisely managed.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)