Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt has urged the First and deputy First Ministers to take urgent action to ensure that military veterans based in Northern Ireland receive their fair share of funding.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“The Ulster Unionist Party believes we should honour the sacrifice and commitment of our Armed Forces and the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland and our Westminster Manifesto includes a pledge to work to secure full implementation of the Military Covenant in Northern Ireland.
“In last month’s Budget announcement the Chancellor said that £5 million of LIBOR funding (raised as a result of fines levied on banks) has been made available every year for the next five years for any UK veterans who are surviving World War Two veterans, those who undertook National Service and other voluntary enlisted veterans who, by virtue of their age, may need some focused support in relation to their health and social care needs.
“I tabled a question asking the First and deputy First Minister what discussions they have had with their Westminster counterparts on this issue, in order to ensure that veterans based here receive their fair share of this funding, and I must admit to being shocked by their reply.
It states “There have been no discussions on this issue so far.”
“I find this completely unacceptable that one month after the announcement, there has been no contact from OFMdFM to ensure that Northern Ireland veterans receive their fair share. This situation must be rectified immediately.”