Money must be spent on victims, not administration - Bell

5.10.07pm GMT Tue 1st Nov 2005

Alliance Deputy Leader and Victims Spokesperson Eileen Bell has said victims' groups are unhappy with the allocation of a further £1.5m to the Victims' Commission without first having been consulted themselves.

The North Down MLA stated: "Victims' Groups I work with are concerned that money is being spent on 'window dressing' the victims' issue for party-political purposes, rather than dealing directly with the victims themselves and their families. I have written to the Minister asking for reassurance about extra funding, but have received none.

"I am now seeking a meeting with the Victims' Commissioner on behalf of the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund to ensure that these concerns are addressed, and to put long-standing victims' groups at the centre of this

process.

"It is of prime importance that we do something for victims, not just appear to do things."

ENDS