AQO 3198/08

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 15/04/2008
Answered On Date: 29/04/2008
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm when the four Victims' Commissioners will be fully operational.

Answer:

We are determined to see the new Victims and Survivors Commission put on a sound and durable legislative footing at the earliest opportunity and hope the Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill will complete its passage through the Assembly by mid-May and obtain Royal Assent in June.

It is intended to make formal appointments when the legislation is in place and the Commissioners will then be able to engage fully with the important work that they have been tasked with. This work will include, amongst other things, promoting an awareness of matters relating to the interests of victims and survivors, reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice in this area and reviewing the effectiveness of services provided for victims and survivors.