The Commission for Victims and Survivors (CVS) has renewed its call for the urgent development of a dedicated payment scheme for people bereaved as a result of the Troubles/conflict, more than two years after formally advising government on the issue.

The Commission said it supports the call for action highlighted during yesterday’s meeting of the Assembly’s Committee for The Executive Office by Mr Justice McAlinden, President of the Victims’ Payments Board, regarding the need for a dedicated Bereavement Payment Scheme for Troubles families.

Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, attended the Committee meeting to ensure the voices, experiences and ongoing support needs of victims and survivors were fully reflected in discussions. He also addressed the Committee and welcomed the growing recognition of the need to progress support for bereaved families.

In January 2024, the Commission published its Needs of the Bereaved advice paper, setting out recommendations to government on financial recognition and support for those bereaved as a result of the Troubles/conflict.

The Commission also wrote to the First Minister and deputy First Minister in February this year seeking urgent engagement on the issue and met recently with the deputy First Minister and Junior Minister to discuss the ongoing needs of bereaved victims and survivors.

Joe McVey said:

“I welcome the continued focus on the needs of bereaved families and support calls for urgent political action to address this longstanding issue.

“For many people bereaved during the Troubles/conflict, the impact of their loss has been compounded by their inability to access the Victims’ Payment Scheme, alongside ongoing delays in investigations and information recovery processes despite significant public expenditure in this area.

“Many bereaved families feel there has been little meaningful acknowledgement of the harm caused or the lasting impact of their loss. Families have already waited decades and there is a real sense that time is running out for many of those affected. This issue now needs to be progressed with urgency.

We continue to encourage all parties to work together to deliver a compassionate and meaningful response for those affected.”

The Commission said ongoing PEACEPLUS-funded research will provide updated evidence-based advice to government on the needs of victims and survivors bereaved as a result of the Troubles/conflict.

Notes to Editors

All media enquiries to Elkie Ritchie, Head of Communications and PR on [email protected] or 07785416671. 

The current Commissioner Joe McVey OBE was appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister for a term of 4 years, commencing on 6 October 2025.

The Commissioner’s role is to provide leadership and strategic direction to enable the Commission to perform its principal aim of safeguarding and promoting the interests of victims and survivors as set out in The Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, as amended by the Commission for Victims and Survivors Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, is available for media interviews and comment on issues affecting victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict.The Commission for Victims and Survivors published its Needs of the Bereaved advice paper in January 2024

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