HL Deb 11 February 2004 vol 656 cc153-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Lord President on 13 January (WS 19–24) on Northern Ireland priorities and budget 2004–06, how their plans will benefit current, as opposed to earlier, victims, particularly victims of intimidation, punishment attacks and shootings, exiling and killing. [HL383]

Baroness Amos

Around £12 million will be spent by the Northern Ireland administration, its agencies and sponsored organisations to address the needs of victims and survivors over the next two years. These resources will be used to raise awareness of victims' issues, secure improvements in the quality of services available to victims and survivors and to provide for support to victims and survivors groups. The support arrangements will also address the needs of victims of intimidation, punishment attacks and shootings. Separately, the Northern Ireland Office has made provision to examine and address the needs of victims who live in Great Britain, including those exiled there.

The Government's aim is to ensure appropriate support to meet the needs of victims and survivors of the conflict in and about Northern Ireland. In so doing the Government do not draw a distinction between current and earlier victims.