Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Justice for the Forgotten would really welcome a meeting with Deputy Charles Flanagan as the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department of Justice and Equality, through its victims of crime office, has committed to providing funding for the physical needs of those injured in attacks relating to the Troubles. Such funding is both welcome and needed. However, there is no funding available for individuals, such as the man I referred to, who suffered psychological injuries. I ask the Minister to discuss this matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality to ensure that funding will be provided for those survivors who suffered psychological harm and who require counselling. It could be stated that these events occurred over 40 years ago but every year on the anniversary of the bombings and on each occasion on which a bombing or similar incident occurs, all of the old scars are reopened. As a result, there is a need for continual counselling to be provided. It is just not good enough that, over 40 years after the bombings, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to state that she will consider how the British Government can respond.

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