Ex-Reservists Urged To Seek Gratuity

Time is running out for former members of NI's part time Police Reserve to apply for gratuity payments as applications for the scheme must be received by 4th February 2011.

The DUP Assembly Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley has urged those who are entitled to get moving: "The people of NI owe an immense debt to those who served the community in the police part time Reserve of both the RUC and its successor organisation the PSNI.

"These brave men and women put their lives on the line for our community during the darkest days of Northern Ireland's history and were shamefully neglected in the Patten Report," said the Chairman of the Assembly Justice Committee.

"I am pleased that through our efforts in political negotiations, the DUP was able to right that shameful wrong.

"I would urge people to ensure they get their applications in," he said at the weekend.

Last November, the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford originally published details of the scheme and said that 'ring-fenced funding' of £20m has been provided by HM Treasury for the administration and payment.

Mr Ford said the scheme would be open to former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (George Cross) Part Time Reserve as well as current or past members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Part Time Reserve (known as Police Officer Part Time) who joined before the end of October 2009.

He said that it is available for the surviving spouse or partner of a deceased officer if they are eligible to apply.

"Gratuity payments are being made in recognition of the particular circumstances of those who volunteered to serve in the Police Part Time Reserve, making themselves vulnerable within the community for the safety of others, with the accompanying risks and the demonstration of civic spirit which that volunteering exhibited," he said.

More information on eligibility and downloadable application forms are available at: www.ptrgratuity.com

The closing date for applications is 4 February 2011.

Applications are also available by writing to: PPS Division Po Box 1280, Holywood, BT18 8BF or by calling 0800 1313389 (freephone).

See: 'No Tax' Call On Police Reserve Gratuity

(BMcC/GK)