DUP News Update - 7th February

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DUP News Update - 7th February 2020

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Victims Pension "right and fitting"

DUP representatives meeting the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab MP at Stormont House today.

DUP Leader Arlene Foster MLA has met with innocent victims in County Tyrone to discuss the introduction of a payment for innocent victims of the Troubles who as a result of their injuries were unable to accrue pension contributions.

Mrs Foster said,

“This is a really significant step forward for innocent victims. In 1998 the prison doors were opened and the victim makers walked free but those left with permanent physical and mental scars from the Troubles were side-lined. Many victims who felt sore were almost treated like outsiders who needed to ‘get with’ the peace process.

At long last innocent victims will have their hurt recognised. Their suffering will still be the same but society will be standing alongside them and helping them in this practical way.

As a result of life changing injuries many innocent victims were unable to accrue private pension contributions because they were unable to work. It is wholly fitting and right that the Government steps forward to help those innocent people injured through no fault of their own.

Importantly this pension is only for those who were injured through “no fault of their own”. Those who planted and executed acts of terror will not be eligible for this pension.

The next step is to have a UK wide definition of a victim which can overturn the 2006 Order definition which equates the bomber maker with being as much a victim as those injured by the bomb.

The DUP will always speak up for innocent victims of thee Troubles who come from all faiths and none.”

Assembly to debate 'Finn's Law'

A DUP motion calling for the introduction of 'Finn's Law' will be debated by the Northern Ireland Assembly this week.

Party Launches pre-consultation on Special Educational Needs

East Belfast DUP MLA and Education Committee member Robin Newton has encouraged people to participate in a pre-consultation paper on Special Educational Needs.

Commenting, he said,

“The DUP wishes to see a long-term approach to Special Educational Needs that can support parents and pupils.

To this end we are beginning a consultation on the approaches the DUP should support and implement at all levels of government. I encourage those organisations and communities interested in this topic to engage with our Policy Unit in the coming weeks and months and ensure their views are heard.”

Take part in the consultation

Presentation made to Mae Murray Foundation

Party Leader Arlene Foster was joined by East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons making the presentation this week.

NI needs well-resourced and responsive policing

DUP North Antrim MLA and Policing Board Member Mervyn Storey has pressed the Chief Constable to explain how he intends to address the current estimated £53 million funding gap projected for the annual PSNI budget in 2020/21.

Commenting at a public meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday, Mr Storey said:

‘The projected £53 million gap in funding for the annual policing budget is a matter of great concern. A well-resourced, visible and responsive police service is vital in order to fight crime effectively and keep our communities safe.

It is imperative that moving forward the PSNI engages positively with the Department of Justice to secure necessary investment and put the police budget on a stable and secure footing in the longer-term. The Chief Constable is under an obligation to guarantee the safety of his officers first and foremost. Therefore, the greatest risk from cost-saving measures is toward ongoing recruitment.

Ultimately these financial challenges cannot be sustainably addressed without comprehensive investment in police resources and estates. It is absolutely unacceptable that many of our leading detectives fighting terrorism and organised crime are working from 180 portacabins located across the PSNI estate. We therefore support the Chief Constable’s vision of leading transformative changes to the PSNI to ensure it is well-resourced, adaptable and fit for the future. Increasing officer numbers can help negate the high cost of overtime and upgrading the police estate and digital infrastructures would lead to better rationalising of services and running costs.

This process of investment and reform will require careful and effective leadership. As a Party we will continue to work proactively with the PSNI and Executive Ministers to promote an adequately-resourced, dynamic and effective local police service to the benefit of every community.’’

Diary Page

Dates for your Diary

Mid Ulster Constituency Association Annual Dinner - Friday 28th February, 8pm - Royal Hotel, Cookstown.
Annual Party Conference - 23rd & 24th October - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge Belfast.

For more information or to express interest in events where not otherwise indicated, please email [email protected]

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