Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has expressed shock at the contents of the Independent Assessment of the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS), which was published today.
Mr Nesbitt, himself a former Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, said:
“The Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, which I Chair, has done sterling work in bringing a focus to the failings of this relatively new, but incredibly important body, which is the primary source of relief for victims and survivors seeking practical help.
“OFMDFM stand condemned for what the report calls the “serious failing” of leaving the VSS without a properly constituted Board to offer strategic direction and oversight until December 2013. I agree this should never have been allowed to happen. The VSS was envisaged in the 10 year victims’ strategy published in 2009, so everyone knew what was coming and had plenty of time to prepare.
“It must be very difficult for victims and survivors to read that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have been presented by no fewer than 55 recommendations and further advice from the Commissioner to improve the VSS. Like the Ministers, I accept the validity of the recommendations in the Assessment and urge immediate implementation.”