To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the processing of applications to the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.

Mrs O'Neill

Junior Minister Reilly will answer that question.

Ms Reilly

As of last week, 11,853 applications have been submitted to the victims' payments scheme. Payments totalling almost £108 million have been made to eligible applicants, offering meaningful recognition of the harm that they have suffered. The Victims' Payments Board is progressing applications as efficiently as possible and continues to work closely with victims and survivors' groups to make sure that any issues are flagged and addressed. Following a recent review of operations, the board has established a business transformation team to improve the processes. That has already had an impact on the value of awards paid out, which is reflected in the year-on-year increase in payments. There is, however, more work to do. We are also aware of the issues with the length of time that can be taken to reach a determination, but we are confident that the board is doing all that it can to make sure that applications are considered as quickly as possible. With the scheme set to close to new applications in August 2026, we strongly encourage anyone who may be eligible to submit their application before that deadline. Support is available through a number of sectoral organisations, including WAVE Trauma Centre, the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Relatives for Justice, the Ely Centre and Ashton Community Trust, for anyone who needs help with the application process. I put on record our thanks to those groups, which offer tremendous support and advocacy for victims and survivors as they go through the process.

Madam Principal Deputy Speaker

Junior Minister, you have less than a minute.

Ms Reilly

Thanks for that question. We completely understand the concerns that have been raised about the time that it is taking to process applications. Each application to the scheme is unique and comes with its own complexities, and the progress of applications can require additional or supporting information from external organisations. There are also some challenges with getting access to medical information, but our officials are working really closely with Department of Health colleagues to improve the process. Cases can also be adjourned in order to allow further information or evidence to be gathered to allow applicants or their representatives to comment on specific issues.

We are assured, however, that the board is keeping the processes under review in order to look for ways to improve the rate of flow of the cases. Also, on prioritising —.

Madam Principal Deputy Speaker

Time is up.

Ms Reilly

Sorry.

Madam Principal Deputy Speaker

Thank you. That ends the period for listed questions. We will now move on to 15 minutes of topical questions. Topical questions 2, 5 and 6 have been withdrawn.