Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will have discussions with the Victims Payments Board in Northern Ireland on the eligibility deadline for the backdated lump sum payment of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.

In view of concerns raised by stakeholders that some potential applicants could lose out on backdated payments, I have decided to extend the date for which backdated payments can be made from the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme by two years, from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.

This extension will allow anyone deemed eligible in the five-year lifespan of the scheme, which makes acknowledgement payments to individuals who have been permanently injured during the Troubles, to avail of a payment backdated to 2014.

This will assist both those who have suffered and are applying to the scheme, and those who are supporting applicants.