Cash for victims and families lies unclaimed

Just one third of a 9 million Euro fund set up by the Dublin government to help victims of the conflict has been claimed, it has emerged.

People injured or bereaved in the 26 Counties by violence linked to the conflict are now being urged to avail of the compensation scheme before it is wound up permanently.

It is expected that the fund will end later this year but so far only between 3 million and 3.5 million Euro has been paid out.

The Remembrance Commission, set up in 2003, has launched a radio campaign to “make more widely known” the “Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for Victims” in the South of the conflict.

A spokesman said that while it was estimated that more than 100 people died in the state as a result of “the Troubles” it was impossible to quantify the total number of people injured with any certainty.

People who could qualify for a payment include those who were injured, as well as the families of those killed, where the injury or death occurred in the 26 Counties or where the victim was normally resident in the state at the time of the injury or death.

The scheme provides for a E15,000 ‘acknowledgement payment’ where a person was killed.

PEACE DIVIDEND DEMANDED

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has urged the two governments to provide a substantial ‘peace dividend’ over 10 years for any incoming devolved executive.

A delegation including MEP Bairbre de Brun, general secretary Mitchel McLaughlin and TD Caoimhghin O Caolain will meet British Direct Ruler Peter Hain today to discuss this issue.

Ms de Brun said: “We are presenting our case for a significant investment in peace to the British government. We will be making the same case to the Irish government.

“Both governments have already acknowledged the validity of the arguments about the need to invest in conflict resolution.

“There is a clear responsibility to build the peace and tackle many of the causes and effects of the conflict.

“Sinn Féin believe that any incoming executive should have a major peace dividend so that ministers can deliver a programme that puts stability and growth on the fast track.”

The party claimed there was significant scope for transferring ‘security’ expenditure to the tune of ten billion pounds sterling.

“This should be targeted at eradicating the regional disparities that exist and at supporting the development of all-Ireland strategies and synergies, particularly along the border corridor,” Ms de Brun said.

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