HC Deb 04 February 2002 vol 379 cc651-2W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding has been made available to support the victims of terrorist violence in Northern Ireland since 10 April 1998. [30415]

Mr. Browne

In response to Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's report, "We Will Remember Them", this Government have thus far allocated £18.25 million specifically to help address the needs of Victims of the Troubles. (See breakdown under heading 'funding for victims').

Criminal injuries and damage compensation

In addition, we anticipate that this year alone the bills for criminal injuries and damage compensation to victims of crime in Northern Ireland will be £55 million and £9 million respectively. More than £1.5 billion has been spent in compensation for criminal injuries and damage since 1968–69 (not possible to break these figures down into troubles-related and other crime).

Devolved Administration's contribution

The devolved Administration are also committed to addressing the needs of victims and have so far provided £1.6 million as part of a larger package of EU funding of £6.67 million to victims. They are also currently working to put in place a cross-departmental strategy for ensuring that the needs of victims are met through effective, high quality help and services.

Support initiatives for the security forces

Government have made available more than £1 million to the George Cross Foundation to mark the sacrifices and honour the achievements of the RUC. (The George Cross Foundation has taken on responsibility for the establishment of a Garden of Remembrance and a new RUC museum).

Government have established a police fund which aims to bring additional assistance to police officers and their families directly affected as a result of terrorism. From this fund £4.2 million was paid in a tax free, lump sum payment to police widows, widowed prior to November 1982, as a direct result of terrorism.

The Government have funded the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT) to a total of £8.1 million (£4.5 million allocated for three year period in March 1999 and £3.6 million allocated for a further two years, 2002–04). The PRRT was conceived to provide assistance aimed at the rehabilitation of ex-officers who were injured on duty and retraining for those leaving or expected to leave the force.

Funding for victims

Since publication of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's report "We Will Remember Them" in 1998, over £18.25 million has been made available for victims' initiatives. Funding has so far included: £700,000 for a Family Trauma Centre which provides therapeutic service addressing the psychological needs of families and young people. £300,000 for an Educational Bursary Pilot Scheme-for individuals whose education was directly affected by the Troubles, 350 people received awards. £3 million to the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund with a commitment of a further £2 million at a rate of £1 million per year for the next two years. The fund has put in place a number of schemes including:

  • The Small Grants Scheme
  • The Chronic Pain Management Scheme
  • The Respite Break Scheme
  • The Wheelchair Assessment Scheme
  • The Amputee Assessment Scheme
  • The Education and Training Scheme

£225,000 for a Victim Support Grants Scheme (now closed) to assist community groups and voluntary organisations to take forward recommendations in the Bloomfield report. £6.1 million core funding for groups who support Victims of the Troubles. £500,000 for initiatives in Great Britain including £250,000 for the Legacy Project. This project aims to identify and meet the needs of Victims of the Troubles living in Great Britain. £1.5 million over next three years for the development of the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation. £750,000 to fund the re-introduction of the Small Grants Scheme for victims' groups. £1.5 million over next two years to the devolved Administration's Strategy Implementation Fund to help NI Departments fulfil their commitment to addressing victims' needs.