The North Down MLA has said: “The Victims and Survivors Strategy is to be broadly welcomed, and hope it will represent a refresh in how we approach the still very present after-effects of the Troubles in our society, centring trauma-informed actions at the heart of how we will build policy and support services here in Northern Ireland.

"Reading across the detail of the strategy, it is clear much has been learned from previous work. It acknowledges the gendered impact of the Troubles, intergenerational trauma, and places particular focus on helping victims and survivors both commemorate the past and look to the future with aspiration.

"However, looking closer, it is disappointing there is no firm commitment to establishing a bereavement payment scheme. Redress schemes such as the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme have been significant in acknowledging the lasting impact of our past on victims and survivors.

“However, many who have experienced bereavement feel they have fallen through the gaps and been forgotten about.

"Until we know a timeline for delivering the first action plan, and an accompanying funding allocation, there is no guarantee this will deliver the support that is sorely needed. There’s lots more work to be done in the time ahead.

“I and my Alliance Party colleagues will continue to push for progress on enhancing support pathways for victims and survivors, whether based here in Northern Ireland, or elsewhere across the UK and Ireland."