Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mike Nesbitt has warned the Justice Minister against raising the expectations of victims and survivors over the recommendations on Dealing with the Past within Haass 7.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“During Minister’s Question Time today the Justice Minister, in answer to a question from Sean Lynch MLA, said the Haass 7 proposals on Dealing with the Past were “close to what is required”. Yet later in answer to my question on the cost implications of implementing those proposals he informed me that he has no idea of the costs.’
“There is a danger of disappointing victims and survivors by raising expectations he cannot afford to deliver. I would warn against any statements which could raise hopes and expectations when there are clearly no concrete plans as to how the proposals fit in within current budgets and given the Secretary of State’s repeated warning that the NIO does not have a budget to help fund any new legacy bodies.