§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding bodies have responsibility for allocating funds to groups and organisations dealing with victims' issues; how much each such body has allocated to victims' groups in the current year; and which victims' groups have benefited. [106241]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyTo answer this question will require substantial research. I will write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as the information is available.
§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has received from groups and organisations dealing with victims' issues about levels of funding. [106242]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Des Browne, meets regularly with victims' groups and funding is frequently one of the many issues raised. I continue to make the case for more money for victims initiatives, and groups' representations and the work they do will be taken into account in allocating any further funding that may become available. Equally, I must take account of the fact that many victims do not align themselves with victims" groups.
§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take measures to streamline the procedures whereby victims" support groups apply for and obtain government funding. [106354]
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§ Mr. Paul MurphyGovernment have taken measures to streamline procedures for victims" groups applying for funding.
The criteria for the Core Funding Scheme 2003–05 were based on the findings and recommendations of an independent evaluation of the previous scheme and on consultation with victims' groups. The Scheme was also subject to an Equality Impact Assessment. Victims' groups welcomed the consultations and were positive about the final shape of the new scheme.
§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is his policy in his dealings with victims' support groups to distinguish between(a) groups supporting victims of the Troubles and (b) groups related to terrorist organisations or individuals with terrorist backgrounds. [106355]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyGovernment do not operate a hierarchy of victims. It is not possible to differentiate grief or hurt according to who or what a person is. We look at need and not cause.
§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding has been provided(a) by the Government and (b) by the European Union for (i) victims' support groups and (ii) support groups closely related to terrorist organisations or individuals with terrorist backgrounds in the last five years. [106356]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyTo answer this question will require substantial research. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available.