Mr Justice McAlinden, president of the Victims' Payments Board, called on Stormont politicians to establish a payment scheme for individuals bereaved during the Troubles. He addressed the Executive Office scrutiny committee on Wednesday. The board administers the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, which closes to new applications in August.

The judge stated that many bereaved people cannot access support under current rules. He noted that applicants sometimes try to extend the scheme's scope, which retraumatises them. McAlinden said politicians must address this gap and work together to build a dedicated scheme.

Paul Bullick from the Victims' Payments Board reported that the scheme has paid out £139 million since opening on 31 August 2021. It provides annual payments from £2,494 to £12,471 to those with physical or psychological injuries from the Troubles through no fault of their own. Over 13,200 applications have been received, including 950 from outside Northern Ireland.

Bullick said 4,800 determinations have been completed, with 3,000 eligible and the rest ineligible. About 6,000 applications await panel review. He estimated full processing could take five years.

McAlinden stressed the need for quick processing, as delays hinder healing. The scheme has received few applications from veterans, though efforts continue to encourage them through organisations.

Separately, victims groups demonstrated at Stormont on Wednesday over a £3.3 million funding shortfall for Troubles support services. Victims commissioner Joe McVey told the committee he shares their concerns and anticipates rising demand.