'There could be hundreds more applicants to Troubles scheme'

Hundreds more people could be eligible to apply to a scheme for Troubles victims, it has been claimed, after it emerged that it will not be extended.

The Troubles Permanent Disability Payment Scheme was set up to support those living with physical or psychological injuries sustained during the conflict.

The process for new applications closes on 30 August, though applications made after this date can be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Joe McVey said a decision not to extend the scheme after a recent judgement in May, was reflective of a "disconnect between Westminster and the NI Executive in terms of funding victims and survivors".

McVey had recommended a three to six month extension of the deadline in light of the judgement which changed the scope of who is eligible to apply.

McVey told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme that the "recent judgement changed the landscape and provided an opportunity to say perhaps we need a pause".

"We are told there might be in the regions of 300-400 people in one group who are saying they have people now who would qualify to apply under the recent judgement," he said.

"The Secretary of State (Chris Byrant) is the only one who can grant an extension", but "given that he has only been in the post for three weeks," he added that he was likely to have been given guidance on the matter.

"This is just one example of victims and survivors being caught in the middle between the "NI secretary, Westminster and Stormont," he said.

"They're all sitting back and pointing the finger at the other saying you need to step forward," he added.

Some £154m has been paid out so far, with 14,000 applications and McVey said about 4,000 had got payments, which he said have been "transformational".

However, he said the issue is who will foot the bill.

"Everything seems to come down to money, and in that discussion victims and survivors are nowhere near the heart of the discussion."

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said calls to extend the deadline for accessing a Troubles pension scheme should be given consideration.

But she did not commit the executive to pressing the secretary of state to do so.

Speaking to reporters in Londonderry on Wednesday, she said a discussion needs to take place and that there remains "a lot of work to be done on it".

She said she recognised many people had benefited from the scheme and that the executive needs to support victims and survivors.

"I'm not going to make a policy decision on the hoof, but we have to give it some consideration," she added.

Jeanitta Larkin was just 10 years old when her father Peter McCabe was shot by the IRA at the family home in Newry in 1990. They both applied to the Troubles Permanent Disability Payment Scheme.

At the time, Larkin said she expected the process to be completed within 12 months.

However, her and her father's case are being re-assessed after they were previously denied payment.

"It was very re-traumatising," she told Good Morning Ulster programme.

"I found myself in situations that were completely unexpected. Situations of distress and despair."

Larkin said that she has concerns about extending the deadline.

She said she would have no issue with it if it did not effect "the timeline for the victims who are already waiting" but it if did it would be unfair to the victims that have waited this length of time".

Andree Murphy, from Relatives for Justice, said that it is a "very onerous task" for victims and survivors to consider an application with such a short amount of time before the deadline.

"It causes a lot of trauma and it is very difficult," she said. "Ourselves and all of the groups who are supporting victims and survivors all felt the scheme should be extended."

Murphy added that the cut-off would like exacerbate existing issues for victims and survivors.

"There are victims and survivors who have been marginalised and isolated and putting in place this absolute deadline, and even talking about exceptional circumstances, will only compound that experience of isolation."

Kenny Donaldson, director at South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF), said "the manner in which this has happened is highly regrettable".

He said there has been "no consultation" with organisations that support victims and "little to no awareness raising of the scheme's existence" for people outside of Northern Ireland.

Donaldson added that the 30 August deadline means it will be "absolutely impossible" for organisations supporting victims and survivors to reach many of the eligible individuals.

"There is just so much ambiguity around all of this. And victims and survivors are fed up of ambiguity. They deserve better."

A spokesperson for The Executive Office said it is a "matter for the Secretary of State who alone has the power to extend the scheme".

"He did not ask the Executive for a view before making his decision," they continued.

A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said over £150m in payments have been made so far.

They added: "To ensure no one who is eligible for the scheme misses out for reasons beyond their control, the regulations provide for applications made after this date to be considered by the Victims' Payments Board, in exceptional circumstances."