Troubles fund may finally begin allocations to victims

A MULTI-MILLION euro fund to help Irish people who were victims of the Troubles in the North is to be opened to applicants almost four years after the move was first recommended.

Details of the Remembrance Fund are expected to be announced within weeks, following a Government decision to begin allocating aid before the legislation to put it on a statutory footing.

Hundreds of victims, including those bereaved and injured in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, are expected to be eligible for financial assistance to help with ongoing medical, counselling and other related costs.

People who suffered trauma or intimidation, and members of the Republic’s security forces exposed to severe stress on border patrol or terrorism related duties, may also be able to apply for help.

The Remembrance Fund stemmed from a recommendation by the head of the Victims Commission, John Wilson, who issued a report on the needs of victims of violence in August 1999.

The Government finally made available an initial contribution of 3 million when the revised spending estimates for 2003 were announced in February this year.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the money would be released shortly, once legislation was drawn up to establish the fund on a statutory basis, but it was not on a list of bills drawn up for Dáil consideration before the summer recess.

Margaret Urwin, spokeswoman for the victims’ group Justice for the Forgotten, welcomed the move, but was deeply critical of the hold-ups to date.

The fund will have to be replenished annually but it is not clear yet how much it will cost or how long it will there will be a need for it.