Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Duncan of Springbank on 27 March 2018 (HL Deb, cols 730–761), when they intend to act on the assurances given in those remarks about the provision of pensions for those who were severely physically injured in the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Work towards bringing forward a victims’ pension is a devolved matter and one of the many reasons why it is so important to have an Executive restored. The Government is aware of how deeply upsetting and frustrating this delay is for those who suffered so much during the Troubles. This is a very complex issue which requires careful consideration, as the Noble Lord will appreciate from his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. That is why the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has commissioned advice from the Victims Commissioner in Northern Ireland to ensure progress on this important issue. I am grateful to the Noble Lord for our continuing discussions about this matter.