PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: SHAMBOLIC TREATMENT OF VICTIMS MUST END
 

Commenting after the accelerated passage of the Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill was pulled in the Assembly, SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns stated:

“This is sadly the latest in a long line of examples highlighting the disarray at the heart of government. The shambolic and cynical treatment of victims and survivors by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister is quickly becoming the centre-piece of their time in office.

The SDLP went into the debate to make best of bad job. We wanted to ensure that the issue could be moved forward in some way. The SDLP today wanted OFMDFM to appoint one of the victims commissioners as a Chief Commissioner. This is important in terms of accountability and above all, in addressing the needs of the victims and survivors themselves.

These events are another damning indictment of the inadequacies, stalemates and embarrassments coming from within OFMDFM. This is further evidence that Sinn Fein and the DUP are incapable of coming to agreement on matters central to progress and stability in the North. This is not what victims and survivors were promised, what the people voted for, and what democratic standards demand.”

ENDS