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<p>The Government ran a public consultation in October and November last year on our
proposals for legislating for a Victims Payments Scheme. The consultation provided
an opportunity for anyone to comment on the shape of the proposed scheme.</p><p> </p><p>In
line with the Northern Ireland Office Equality Scheme, we notified our list of consultees
- including a wide range of public bodies, political parties, religious and representative
organisations - about the consultation. The consultation team also made itself available
to meet a range of interested groups and parties to discuss the proposals and the
issues arising from them.</p><p> </p><p>We received 367 responses from a variety of
parties, individuals, representatives and groups, including the Green Party NI. We
carefully considered all written and oral feedback received in making final decisions
about the shape of the scheme.</p><p> </p><p>The Northern Ireland Office also engaged
with the main parties on the detail of draft guidance that will support the scheme’s
independent board in making decisions to award payments.</p>
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