CLLR DENISE MULLEN: Pension’s Breakthrough Welcome, But Immediate Clarity Needed
Aontú Deputy Leader & Cllr for Mid Ulster, Denise Mullen, has welcomed a breakthrough in the pension’s quagmire, but has called for immediate clarity as to the criteria being applied to determine eligibility.
Cllr Mullen:
“Today’s announcement from the Stormont Executive Office that they will foot the bill for a Pension scheme for victims and survivors of the Troubles, is long overdue but welcome. For months, this issue has been a political football and been fought through the Courts. It took a case from Brian Turley, one of the Hooded Men subjected to enhanced interrogation torture techniques from the British Military, to have funding for a Pension scheme put in place. It should not have taken the Courts and such a level of pressure, for victims and survivors of the Troubles to receive a pension.”
“The particulars of the scheme and funding are still unclear. I urge the Stormont Executive to immediately clarify the eligibility criteria for the scheme to make sure victims and survivors are not arbitrarily barred from a pension. An issue I and thousands of others have campaigned for is that eligibility for pension payments would be extended to those suffering from psychological injury and PTSD – I sincerely hope that these are considered grounds of eligibility under the new scheme. Today’s announcement is welcome and overdue, but immediate clarity is needed for us to be at ease.”
