Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2016
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37951/16]
View answerI am keenly aware of the issues cited in the correspondence supplied and my Department has met with WAVE as part of the consultations I mandated earlier this year on legacy issues. WAVE has previously received support from my Department’s Reconciliation Fund, most recently in 2011.
The Good Friday Agreement exhorts us not to forget those who have been injured as a result of the Troubles, as well as those who died, and makes specific reference to both services and resourcing for victims. It has already taken too long to give practical expression to that commitment. I am very conscious, as I work with the Northern Ireland parties and the British Government to establish the Stormont House legacy institutions, that the crucial question of a pension for the injured remains outstanding.
I will seek an update on this specific issue at the earliest opportunity from the First and deputy First Minister and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as part of my regular contact with them on legacy and victims and survivors issues.
