Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Troubles-related incident victims payments scheme.

The UK Government made legislation establishing a victims payments scheme in January. It did so both to fulfil its legal obligation (under the Executive Formation Act) and because it is committed to doing what it can to progress a scheme that has been delayed by political disagreements for too long. The Executive committed to take forward a scheme and, under the provisions of the Regulations, is legally obligated to now do so.

We will continue to prioritise supporting the Executive’s delivery of this scheme. NIO officials have been offering support to assist progress on implementation, by advising the team of officials on the appropriate interpretation and intention of the Regulations; but it is the Executive’s responsibility to implement the scheme.