Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“This morning Professor Evason gave evidence on her proposals to mitigate the welfare reform measures which have been implemented by Westminster. During questioning I established what we already knew about Sinn Fein/IRA bluster on the issue – claimants will not be protected indefinitely from any reduction to their benefits. Such a pledge by Sinn Fein was always foolish.
“However, another part of Professor Evason’s proposals will be very welcome to the Republican movement.
“Her proposals, which have been accepted by the DUP, will give preferential treatment to terrorists who disabled themselves by their own hand and in so doing place them on a par with their innocent victims. This is the scandalous outworking of her report – a bomber who injures himself will be gifted the extra welfare points to guarantee him no loss of benefits.
“As I put it to Professor Evason it is utterly perverse that the victim of a road traffic accident will be treated less favourably than a convicted terrorist under the new system. Someone injured in a road traffic accident may only get four benefit points and lose their benefits, but a self-injured terrorist will be gifted an extra four points to preserve his benefits.
“So much for a “fresh start”! In reality, the outworkings of the latest agreement mark another step on the road towards the distinction between terrorist and victim being obliterated in the eyes of the law in Northern Ireland.”