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A stalemate between the Northern Ireland Executive and Westminster is continuing over a compensation scheme for injured Troubles victims.<\/p>\nA stalemate between the Northern Ireland Executive and Westminster is continuing over a compensation scheme for injured Troubles victims.<\/p>\n
Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy said the UK government should fund the payments because the legislation was passed at Westminster.<\/p>\n
It has been estimated the payments could cost \u00a3800 million (\u20ac900 million).<\/p>\n
Announcing the draft budget for 2021\/22 to the Assembly on Monday, Mr Murphy said Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has yet to provide funding for the scheme.<\/p>\n
I hope that the Secretary of State will meet with Executive ministers to discuss how the significant costs involved, which the Justice Minister has estimated may be as much as \u00a3800 million, will be funded<\/p>\n
Mr Murphy also said that Mr Lewis refused to meet First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Michelle Lewis, Justice Minister Naomi Long or himself over the matter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Executive is fully committed to delivering these payments and in line with the British government\u2019s own Statement of Funding Policy, it is the responsibility of the British government to provide the necessary funding,\u201d he told MLAs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that the Secretary of State will meet with Executive ministers to discuss how the significant costs involved, which the Justice Minister has estimated may be as much as \u00a3800 million, will be funded.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stormont\u2019s Department of Justice was designated to administer the scheme last September.<\/p>\n
It is anticipated it will open for applications in March.<\/p>\n