DUP MEP Diane Dodds has urged the real victims of Northern Ireland’s past to make their voice heard by submitting their views to the consultation process on the definition of a victim being conducted by the DUP. Mrs. Dodds was speaking after a visit to victims group SAVERNAVER in Markethill. Commenting, Mrs. Dodds said:
"The definition of a victim as set out by the Victims and Survivors (NI) 2006 Order, that originated from a OFMDFM paper during David Trimble’s term as First Minister, has been the cause of much pain to the innocent victims in our society who continue to bear the burden of our past.
The equal status that has been granted to the bomber and the bombers victim is, in my opinion, obscene. There can be no equivalence between the perpetrator of an act of terrorism and their victim. That is why my party colleagues are now seeking to put forward a Private Members Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly that will change that definition to one which is in line with public opinion. That is why it is vital that groups such as SAVERNAVER, and their members, engage in the consultation process and make the voice of the innocent victim heard.
This process is part of our continuing commitment to the needs of innocent victims across Northern Ireland. The budget granted to victims has doubled under a DUP First Minister, and we now have a dedicated Victims Commission, whose sole remit is to deliver for victims and meet their need. In Europe, I will continue to be a voice for our victims, and seek further delivery through Europe for the victims sector. During the last meeting of Parliament I urged MEPs to support the campaign for compensation from Libya for their role in arming the IRA. This is a campaign that continues at Stormont, at Westminster and in Europe."
