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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Basildon (Angela Smith), with regard to her responsibilities for victims and reconciliation. [196187] Angela Smith: In my role as Victims' Minister, I aim to put in place a strategy that gives victims and survivors of the troubles recognition, acknowledgement and, where appropriate, the necessary help and practical support to rebuild their lives. To do this, it was important that I heard directly from those who have been adversely affected what their needs are. Over the past year I have been consulting with victims and survivors and their representative groups and have recently issued to them a summary of the views I gathered. My next step will be to draw up proposals for improvements in the arrangements for the planning, co- ordination and delivery of the services provided to victims to help address the problems they face. During this consultation process, many views were expressed to me on the matter of dealing with the past. These views, which I have shared with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will help inform the work he is doing in this area.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

196187; 426 c1763W;426 c1767W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Ministerial duties Northern Ireland Victims Victim support schemes Northern Ireland Office

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk