Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“Though it is shocking that it takes the Court of Appeal to tell the First and deputy First Minister that “there is a legal duty on the Executive Office to fund victims’ payments and lump sums under the 2020 Regulations“, it is most welcome that they have been left with no hiding place.
“The failure of the Finance Minister to include provision in the Budget must be rectified forthwith and the law of the land honoured. I believe Sinn Fein politics of “who gets” was a greater impediment than “who pays”, but now the time for feet-dragging is over.
“My message to Stormont and particularly Sinn Fein is simple: ‘Stop the politicking, respect innocent victims and get them paid.’”