Minister Focuses On Police Pensions

It has emerged that some RUC officers injured during the Troubles have had their pensions are withdrawn.

With about 150 cases currently under appeal, all such pension arrangements for injured police officers are now set to be reviewed, the NI Policing and Justice Minister David Ford has announced.

Mr Ford said the Policing Board and the Department of Health and Social Services would be part of the "urgent review", with an initial progress report due by the end of next month.

Mr Ford, who last night discussed the issue with the Victims Commissioners, said: "Police officers in Northern Ireland have frequently put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities and some have suffered serious injuries and mental health issues as a result.

"I understand the concerns which have been raised in recent days and have instigated an urgent review of the police injury pension arrangements.

"I am committed to ensuring that the process is as effective and efficient as possible," he said.

"As there are important parts of the process which are the responsibility of the NI Policing Board, and involve inputs from the Department of Health and Social Services, and I am inviting those organisations to be part of the review and to ensure collectively we have a system which meets people's needs.

"I will also want to consult with the PSNI Chief Constable to ensure that he is content with the service provided to his officers. I have asked for an initial report on progress by the end of June 2010," he said.

In February of this year, the partners of police officers killed in the line of duty were told they were to receive money through a new government scheme.

The UK-wide Police Survivor Support Scheme gives a one-off payment of up to £20,000 to partners of deceased officers who have remarried.

The widow or widower of a full-time or part-time officer with the RUC or PSNI who had their pension stopped and who are considered in need of financial assistance may be eligible.

Its formation fulfils a government pledge to support families left struggling financially, when a special pension is stopped on remarriage.

(BMcC/GK)