Troubles victims' pension: Julian Smith praises campaigners
Julian Smith said Troubles victims"have fought hard for too long" for financial support from the state
Both Sinn Féin and the campaign group Relatives for Justice accused the government of creating a"hierarchy" of victims and trying to impose its own version of the past.More than 3,500 people were killed during the Troubles and the Northern Ireland Office has estimated that a further 40,000 were injured during more than 30 years of violence.
Mr Smith also commended victims' groups who persevered with their campaign for compensation for more than a decade. "We should pause and thank those who have helped us get to a place where we can provide a scheme like this."Several victims of the Troubles were left with life-long disabilities, including paralysis
Referring to the scheme's restrictions, he added:"An independent judge-led board will make decisions on whether payments should be made where there is compelling evidence that a payment would not be appropriate."
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