SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has written to the Leaders of the other Executive parties calling for an urgent forum meeting to discuss the failure to advance the Victims Payment Scheme.
The Foyle MP said that the five party leaders should then meet with the British and Irish Governments to agree a way forward which will see a lead Department nominated to take forward the technical and logistical elements of the scheme to ensure payments are made quickly.
The Party Leaders Forum is a body created by New Decade New Approach to resolve areas of political tension or disagreement that may affect the sustainability of the institutions.
Said Mr Eastwood: “Victims and Survivors have been marched to the top of the hill too many times to be let down again.
“These people bear the physical, psychological and emotional scars of conflict, pain they have to live with every day.
“The failure of the Executive to deliver on their basic need for recognition, respect and compensation is inexcusable.
“I have written to each of the other Executive party leaders today requesting an urgent Party Leaders Forum to take this matter forward.
“There is no good reason on this earth why we can’t nominate a lead Department to take forward the essential technical work on the scheme and prepare to make payments as soon as resource is made available.
“Those delaying the scheme are inflicting further pain on people who have suffered immensely over the last 40 years.
“It cannot be allowed to continue,” added the Foyle MP.
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