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1137599

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>I discuss these important issues with the Northern Ireland Secretary and other relevant Ministers on a regular basis. As I set out in my written ministerial statement of 21 May 2019 (HCWS1575), our obligations to veterans who have served in Northern Ireland remain the same as to those who served in other theatres, and I have agreed with the Northern Ireland Secretary that my Department will provide formal input to any process taken forward by the Northern Ireland Office resulting from the Stormont House Agreement.</p>
	tabling member	4117 label Biography information for Andrea Leadsom

1195618

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>Upon discharge from the Armed Forces, the provision of healthcare, including mental healthcare, is the purview of the NHS in England, and the Devolved Administrations in the rest of the UK. We are currently working with the NI Veterans Support Office (VSO) to take forward the important work of delivering the Armed Forces Covenant to our veterans in NI. The VSO has developed strong links between the NI Government Departments, Local Government Veterans’ Champions and the voluntary and charitable sector. This work with the VSO is key in building coherence and co-ordination among services through the NI Veterans Support Committee (NIVSC). The NIVSC was set up to improve cooperation between those organisations who are permanently based in NI and are committed to delivering support services to veterans.</p>
	tabling member	4857 label Biography information for Carla Lockhart

1472354

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The unique circumstances in Northern Ireland mean delivery for veterans is approached in a different way from the rest of the UK. I can assure the hon. Member that I and my officials work closely with colleagues across Government, including the MOD and Office of Veterans Affairs, to ensure veterans can access gold standard care irrespective of where they live.</p>
	tabling member	4125 label Biography information for Catherine McKinnell

674748

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>Responsibility for policing and justice matters in Northern Ireland has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive since April 2010. All decisions on prosecutions are taken independently of Government and in accordance with the Code for Prosecutors.</p><p> </p><p>As I have made very clear in a number of statements, I am concerned that the existing mechanisms for investigating incidents which occurred during the Troubles are disproportionately focused on the actions of the Armed Forces and former police officers, rather than the terrorists who were responsible for 90 per cent of deaths. This is wrong and it has to change. That is why this Government supports the full and faithful implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, which would see a move to a new system that would, under legal obligations, operate in ways that are fair, balanced and proportionate. The proposed new institutions, set out in the Stormont House Agreement, have a number of important advantages over the system currently in place in Northern Ireland, including that they will consider deaths in chronological order. This will ensure that outstanding investigations into terrorist murders, including the murder of 185 soldiers, are investigated and evidential leads are pursued.</p>
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

967974

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>This Government is clear that it is only due to the unstinting efforts of our Police and Armed Forces that we have peace in Northern Ireland today. We have always acknowledged our ongoing duty of care to our former soldiers which includes providing legal support and representation.</p><p> </p><p>Policing in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter. It is the role of the Police Federation to represent and promote the interests and welfare of the Police.</p>
	tabling member	1545 label Biography information for David T C Davies

686094

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence provides free legal advice for Northern Ireland veterans facing allegations relating to their own conduct while on duty. The question of a refund should not therefore arise.</p>
	tabling member	1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison

451956

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>In accordance with its normal policy, the Department funds the provision of legal advice to current or former Service personnel whose conduct in the course of their duties in Northern Ireland is being investigated by the police with a view to possible prosecution. This support includes the services of a barrister wherever necessary. The support will be available from the point at which the individual is notified that the police wish to interview him or her as a suspect, which will of course be before any charge, and will continue until the determination of the proceedings. In addition, the Department works closely with Regimental Associations and other Service and veterans' welfare organisations to ensure the provision of appropriate pastoral support.</p>
	tabling member	54 label Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis

451957

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>In accordance with its normal policy, the Department funds the provision of legal advice to current or former Service personnel whose conduct in the course of their duties in Northern Ireland is being investigated by the police with a view to possible prosecution. This support includes the services of a barrister wherever necessary. The support will be available from the point at which the individual is notified that the police wish to interview him or her as a suspect, which will of course be before any charge, and will continue until the determination of the proceedings. In addition, the Department works closely with Regimental Associations and other Service and veterans' welfare organisations to ensure the provision of appropriate pastoral support.</p>
	tabling member	54 label Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis

1171982

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>We have regular discussions about areas of mutual interest with colleagues across Government, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The UK Government's commitment in the '<em>New Decade, New Approach</em>' (NDNA) Agreement to create a Northern Ireland Veterans' Commissioner is an important one. It builds on the UK Government's establishment in 2019 of the Office for Veterans' Affairs to provide lifelong support to ex-military personnel. Officials in Defence, the Office for Veterans Affairs, and the Northern Ireland Office are engaging to ensure effective implementation of the UK Government's commitments relating to veterans within the NDNA, and both I, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will be monitoring the progress of that work closely.</p>
	tabling member	4360 label Biography information for Gavin Robinson

1505698

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The UK Government has developed a comprehensive package of measures, ensuring that those who bravely served during the Troubles can access financial, pastoral and health support, no matter where they live in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>Veterans can also apply to the Troubles Permanent Disablement Scheme - delivered by the NI Executive - which makes acknowledgement payments to permanently injured victims of the Troubles.</p>
	tabling member	4749 label Biography information for Ian Levy

1433977

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government takes the wellbeing of our veterans very seriously. That is why we are delivering on our commitments made in New Decade, New Approach and in particular, ensuring that our veterans are treated similarly to their counterparts across the rest of the UK.</p><p> </p><p>This Government has delivered for veterans in Northern Ireland through the establishment of the NI Veterans Commissioner and further funding to the Veterans' Support Office. These bodies advocate for and assist veterans as they navigate services such as health and social care.</p><p> </p><p>The Government will also deliver on its commitment to NI veterans as part of a wider package to address legacy issues in Northern Ireland that focuses on reconciliation. The well-being of veterans who served in Northern Ireland is of course a key aspect of these discussions, which are ongoing.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

431781

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government accepts that we have a duty of care to all current and former members of the Armed Forces, and the MoD pay for independent legal advice when both current and former members of the Armed Forces face prosecution in matters related to their service.</p><p>The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and the armed forces recognising that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.</p><p>In Northern Ireland, there is a bespoke aftercare package in place to support former members of the UDR and R IRISH (Home Service), their dependents and widows. This consists of welfare teams spread across Northern Ireland which offers vocational resettlement training, medical support, and a UDR/ R IRISH benevolent fund. In August 2015, the MoD agreed that the UDR &amp; R IRISH (HS) Aftercare Service should continue to exist and be funded since circumstances leading to its inception have not markedly changed, need is still evident and demand is being effectively met. However, in line with other defence restructuring, it has been decided that eventually it should become owned by the MoD’s main veterans’ support organisation, known as Veterans UK.</p><p>This is in addition to the services available to all veterans; including Veterans UK (in particular the Veterans Welfare Service which has welfare representatives based across the UK); Service and ex-Service charities such as the Army Benevolent Fund – the Soldiers charity, SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity and Combat Stress.</p>
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

657829

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence has had no discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the provisions of a 24 hour-a-day contact and referral service from veterans' charities and helplines for ex-Service personnel. However, the Covenant Fund has awarded a £2 million grant to a consortium of organisations led by The Royal British Legion and including Combat Stress, SSAFA and Poppyscotland who are working towards setting up a one-stop service to better support the UK's Armed Forces veterans community. It will give veterans, regardless of age or location, a simple point of contact to turn to for advice and help in accessing an array of public, private and charitable services and will be delivered across Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.</p>
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

179727

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>Assisting our former Service personnel transition to civilian life is of major importance, as indeed is having in place a robust and effective resettlement system that helps our Service personnel on a number of levels.</p><p> </p><p>While the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not centrally record how much is spent on transitioning Service personnel to civilian life, the following table shows the number of individuals with a Northern Ireland postcode who have taken advantage of the services offered by the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and are in employment.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>CTP Programme</strong></p></td><td colspan="3"><p><strong>BT Postcodes</strong></p><p><strong>Placements</strong></p><p><strong>in Northern Ireland </strong></p></td><td colspan="3"><p><strong>BT Postcodes Placements</strong></p><p><strong>Outside Northern Ireland or unknown location</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Year </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2012</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2013</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2014</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2012</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2013</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2014</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Employment Support Programme</strong></p></td><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>5</p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>5</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Full Support Programme</strong></p></td><td><p>95</p></td><td><p>130</p></td><td><p>112</p></td><td><p>76</p></td><td><p>74</p></td><td><p>89</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>BT postcodes placements outside NI or ‘unknown location’ – means individuals have recorded a NI address but their work location is outside NI (i.e. they may have a permanent residence in NI which they return to at weekends or holidays or they have not informed CTP of a permanent change of address)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Employment Support Programme is for those who have served more than four but less than six years. These individuals do not receive the Individual Resettlement Training Costs Grant nor do they have an entitlement to Graduated Resettlement Time (i.e. paid time off for vocational training). However, they can take advantage of the many briefings available and they are supported in their search for employment by the CTP consultants and Job Finding Service, including access to the online jobs portal ‘RightJob’. They can also take advantage of resettlement training courses on a ‘standby’ basis in their own time.</p><p> </p><p>Service personnel who have served for six years or more are entitled to the Full Support Programme. This entitles them to the Individual Resettlement Training Costs Grant (IRTC) which is worth £534 per person.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, Service Leavers may claim Travel and Subsistence costs during their training; the amount of training is dependent on length of service up to a maximum of 35 days for those who have served for 16 years or more.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) is the MOD’s tri-Service focal point set up to provide Service personnel and their families with civilian housing information for those wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any point in their career, and to those during Armed Forces Resettlement to assist the transition to civilian life. Delivered through briefings, Housing Matters magazine publication, and one to one discussions where necessary. JSHAO also manages the MOD Referral Scheme supporting social housing in conjunction with Local Authorities and Housing Associations. The cost for providing advice is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
	tabling member	3801 label Biography information for Lord Browne of Belmont

1271917

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>As at 31 March 2020 there were 3,558 UK Armed Forces veterans in receipt of a War Disablement Pension under the War Pension Scheme and 65 UK Armed Forces veterans in receipt of a tax-free monthly Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) residing in Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>AFCS tax-free lump sum awards are paid to Service personnel and veterans as compensation for pain and suffering for an injury or illness that is predominantly caused or made worse by Service. Location data is not routinely updated following payment of a lump sum award. Where a lump sum award has been made at tariff levels 1-11 (reflecting a more serious injury/illness), the claimant will also be awarded a tax-free index-linked income stream known as a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP).</p><p> </p><p>As at 31 March 2020 there were 654 UK Armed Forces veterans in receipt of the War Pension Mobility Supplement under the War Pension Scheme residing in Northern Ireland.</p>
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1271918

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>As at 31 March 2020 there were 3,558 UK Armed Forces veterans in receipt of a War Disablement Pension under the War Pension Scheme and 65 UK Armed Forces veterans in receipt of a tax-free monthly Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) residing in Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p><p>AFCS tax-free lump sum awards are paid to Service personnel and veterans as compensation for pain and suffering for an injury or illness that is predominantly caused or made worse by Service. Location data is not routinely updated following payment of a lump sum award. Where a lump sum award has been made at tariff levels 1-11 (reflecting a more serious injury/illness), the claimant will also be awarded a tax-free index-linked income stream known as a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP).</p><p> </p><p>As at 31 March 2020 there were 654 UK Armed Forces veterans in receipt of the War Pension Mobility Supplement under the War Pension Scheme residing in Northern Ireland.</p>
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1349333

	human indexable
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The UK Government has no current means to identify UK veterans who are resident in Northern Ireland. Due to the sensitivities of the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past, many who served and now reside there do not feel safe disclosing their veteran status, and the question was not included in the 2021 Census in Northern Ireland as it was in England and Wales.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Office for Veterans’ Affairs is working with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency on alternative solutions.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1471255

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>We remain committed to ensuring that our veterans can access gold standard services irrespective of where they live in the UK - including in Northern Ireland where circumstances mean a slightly different approach is necessary.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst skills is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, with further and higher education the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, the Government has shown time and time again that it is committed to supporting Northern Ireland, levelling up across the UK and strengthening our Union.</p><p> </p><p>We have invested £15m from the New Deal for Northern Ireland to enable the Department for the Economy to deliver the ‘Skill Up’ initiative, which will fully fund further education colleges and universities to provide approximately 15,000 training places to support key growth sectors.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

228698

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The UK's ex-Service community is largely elderly; almost half are over age 75 and 64% are over age 65. It is important that this country meets their needs, just as they answered the needs of their country; meeting the call of the nation during the First and Second World Wars, through national service, voluntary enlistment and the reserve forces.</p><p>To support this community, £5 million of LIBOR funding has been made available every year for the next five years for any UK veterans who are surviving World War Two veterans, those who undertook National Service and other voluntary enlisted veterans who, by virtue of their age, may need some focused support in relation to their health and social care needs.</p><p>The funds will not provide benevolence payments to individuals. Charities can bid for money to provide practical support and/or companionship to this group of veterans to improve their wellbeing. This might also include projects to build or enhance access to centres where elderly veterans can meet, or to promote the education of elderly veterans' needs, research and other support mechanisms.</p><p>The Ministry of Defence intends to administer the fund through a dedicated grant scheme. The terms of this scheme are being developed and will be announced in due course.</p>
	tabling member	4216 label Biography information for Lord Empey

1199434

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has made clear that the Government is committed to introducing legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles. This legislation will place information recovery and reconciliation at the heart of a revised legacy system that puts victims first. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has begun the process of engaging key partners on a way forward which will focus on reconciliation, delivering for victims and ensuring that all Service Personnel who served in Northern Ireland are treated as fairly as those who served overseas.</p><p> </p><p>Where appropriate, we will draw on the lessons from the Iraq Historic Allegations Team. In Northern Ireland, during the Troubles, the Armed Forces acted in support of the civil powers, within the UK. This is different to military action outside the UK.</p>
	tabling member	648 label Biography information for Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

1347041

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	2
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government has been clear that it will deliver on its commitments to NI veterans as part of a wider package to address the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.</p><p><br> As set out by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland last week, the Government’s proposed package focuses on reconciliation, information recovery and ending the cycle of investigations that is not working for anyone.</p><p><br> The Government remains clear however, that it will never accept any moral equivalence between those who upheld the law in Northern Ireland and those, on all sides, who sought to destroy it.</p><p><br> These proposals will be considered as part of the ongoing intensive talks process with the NI parties, Irish Government and representatives of NI society, further to which we will bring forward legislation.</p><p><br></p>
	tabling member	655 label Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

1653355

	human indexable
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The £20 million Veteran Housing Capital Grant Programme is designed to contribute to the Government's commitment of ending veteran homelessness across the UK, by ensuring veterans have access to good quality, affordable accommodation that meets their needs.</p><p> </p><p>Applications for funding will be open to housing organisations supporting veterans from across the four nations, including Northern Ireland, and we expect the initial £2 million grant to be open for applications later this year.</p>
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

722965

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence holds information on grants made to units and charities undertaking projects with, for, and including veterans in Northern Ireland from Legacy Funds, the Covenant Fund and the Aged Veterans Fund for the years 2012-13, 2015-16 and 2016-17, broken down below.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>2012-13</strong> <strong>Organisation</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Project </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Grant </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Fund</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Ulster Defence Regiment &amp; Royal Irish Aftercare Service</p></td><td><p>Welfare support network and advisory service for veterans and their dependants in Northern Ireland</p></td><td><p>£50,000</p></td><td><p>LIBOR Funds 2013-2016</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>2015-16</strong> <strong>Organisation</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Project</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Grant</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Fund</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Ballymacanallen Community Association</p></td><td><p>Mrs Sergeant's Boys</p></td><td><p>£4,715</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>38 (Irish) Brigade</p></td><td><p>Horse-assisted coaching for empowerment, leadership</p></td><td><p>£20,000</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>NI Veterans Therapeutic Gardening Project</p></td><td><p>Horticultural Therapy</p></td><td><p>£37,000</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Combat Stress</p></td><td><p>Mental Health services for Veterans in Northern Ireland</p></td><td><p>£466,400</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>The Royal British Legion</p></td><td><p>Somme Nursing Home</p></td><td><p>£600,000</p></td><td><p>Aged Veterans Fund</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>2016-17</strong> <strong>Organisation</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Project </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Grant</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Fund</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Families Acting for Innocent Relatives</p></td><td><p>Remembrance</p></td><td><p>£10,000</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Rathfriland Royal British Legion Branch</p></td><td><p>Hilltop to Over the Top</p></td><td><p>£19,478</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Reserve Forces &amp; Cadets Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI)</p></td><td><p>Horse-assisted coaching for confidence, leadership, anxiety reduction and communication.</p></td><td><p>£20,000</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Department of Community Mental Health at Thiepval Barracks</p></td><td><p>Green Care</p></td><td><p>£20,000</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>AA Veterans Support</p></td><td><p>Counselling and Holistic Support Service</p></td><td><p>£20,000</p></td><td><p>Covenant Fund</p></td></tr></tbody></table>
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

100680

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>No service leavers who reside in Northern Ireland have benefitted from the Scheme as Northern Ireland was classified as an overseas location.</p><p> </p><p>However, I am pleased to say that action is in hand to amend the legislation governing the Scheme to extend provision to Northern Ireland service leavers. We anticipate this coming into effect from September 2015.</p>
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

100682

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>No service leavers who reside in Northern Ireland have benefitted from the Scheme as Northern Ireland was classified as an overseas location.</p><p> </p><p>However, I am pleased to say that action is in hand to amend the legislation governing the Scheme to extend provision to Northern Ireland service leavers. We anticipate this coming into effect from September 2015.</p>
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

175030

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Department welcomed Lord Ashcroft's report on the review of the Armed Forces transition process. The report made 43 distinct recommendations; many are now in place either in full or in part. In response to his specific recommendations on an Armed Forces Champion in Northern Ireland, the Northern Irish Government announced last year that from April 2015, Local Authorities will nominate both a non-elected official and a councillor to membership of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in Northern Ireland. The latter will also act as a local Veterans Champion.</p><p>In addition, the relationship between the Northern Ireland Aftercare Service and the Veterans Welfare Service has been strengthened and close working links developed with The Royal British Legion, Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, Combat Stress and key charities in Northern Ireland.</p>
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

1282562

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>Criminal investigations involving former members of our Armed Forces who served in Northern Ireland are conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other police forces on behalf of the Chief Constable PSNI.</p><p>The Ministry of Defence offers a range of legal, welfare and pastoral support to veterans in such circumstances, but the number and conduct of such investigations are a matter for the police, and the specific information requested is not held by the Ministry of Defence.</p>
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1313354

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government is fully committed to introducing legislation as quickly as possible that delivers better outcomes for victims, survivors and veterans; focuses on information recovery and reconciliation; and ends the cycle of investigations. This will deliver on our commitments to Northern Ireland veterans, giving them the protections they deserve.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1313414

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government is fully committed to delivering on its commitments to veterans who served in Northern Ireland - as well as those who served overseas - as quickly as possible. We have been clear that we will do this as part of a wider package to address legacy issues in Northern Ireland that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims and ends the cycle of investigations.</p>
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1315717

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>Since assuming post on 20 April 2021, I have had one official meeting with the Secretary of State for the Northern Ireland Office.</p>
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1126471

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) intends to undertake a public consultation on legal protections measures for personnel deployed on operations overseas, including a statutory presumption against prosecution of current or former personnel for alleged offences committed in the course of duty abroad more than 10 years previously. Prosecutions in such circumstances would not be considered to be in the public interest, except in “exceptional circumstances”. The presumption measure would not apply to historical alleged offences in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Defence will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Secretary on the proposals for addressing Northern Ireland legacy issues. The MOD provides veterans, including those who served in Northern Ireland, who are subject to investigation and potential prosecution with legal, welfare and pastoral support.</p>
	tabling member	4024 label Biography information for Mr Marcus Jones

682483

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Secretary of State and I have had several conversations with the Defence Secretary and other Ministers about this issue. This Government is clear about the duty of care we owe all our veterans, including those that served in Northern Ireland and we will ensure they get the support they need and deserve.</p>
	tabling member	4496 label Biography information for Scott Mann

1312146

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government has been clear that it will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of investigations. We are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders as part of this process and are committed to making progress as quickly as possible.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	1528 label Biography information for Sir Mike Penning

1172887

	human indexable
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>Questions about the administration of justice in Northern Ireland are for the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to offering comprehensive legal and pastoral support for all veterans facing investigations as a result of their service on Operation Banner.</p>
	tabling member	4856 label Biography information for Stephen Farry

1179082

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government has been clear that the system for investigating incidents that took place during the Troubles must be balanced, proportionate and fair. We are committed to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland to provide justice for victims and greater certainty for military veterans.</p>
	tabling member	4856 label Biography information for Stephen Farry

1257466

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government has been clear that it will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles which focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of investigations that has failed victims and veterans alike.</p><p> </p><p>We remain committed to making progress, and engaging with the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland parties, and stakeholders from across the community on this issue.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	4742 label Biography information for Stuart Anderson

1173196

	human indexable
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	house id	1
	type	WrittenParliamentaryQuestion
	answer	answer is ministerial correction answer text <p>The Government is committed to reforming the current legacy system in Northern Ireland in a way which provides reconciliation for victims and greater certainty for veterans. Nobody who has served in our armed forces should be subject to unfair prosecution in cases where no new evidence has been provided.</p><p> </p>
	tabling member	450 label Biography information for Tony Lloyd