Andy Allen, the Ulster Unionist Party's North Belfast spokesperson, is seeking clarity from Westminster regarding a £25 million healthcare fund for aged veterans, announced by the Chancellor in his Budget speech today.
Mr Allen said:
"Today the Chancellor announced in his 2015 Budget that the Treasury is to commit £75 Million from Libor fines to forces charities, with £25 million going to a healthcare fund for aged veterans.
"I warmly welcome this new £25 million fund, delivered through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. It is to be specifically targeted to support older veterans, including nuclear test veterans, to improve healthcare and awareness of medical issues as they get older.
"However, as yet the Armed Forces Covenant has not been implemented in Northern Ireland. I will be seeking clarity from Westminster as to how veterans residing in Northern Ireland will be able to access such a fund, without having to travel to other parts of the UK."
Link to allocation breakdown - http://forces.tv/97886709?utm_content=buffer38bcc&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer