Debate contribution: Victims and Survivors’ Groups: Funding

Debate contribution by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on 8 June 2026.

MLA: Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 8 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Victims and Survivors’ Groups: Funding
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5600470

Text

I have always made it clear that, no matter what the circumstance, I will always stand on the side of victims. Victims and survivors across Northern Ireland, including those whom the Member has referenced, have been denied justice for much too long. I speak to many victims and survivors, including many victims of terrorist organisations across Northern Ireland, who have never had justice. The hurt that they felt at the time of their loved one's murder is just as acute today. The continued denial of truth and justice to those victims continues to cause that pain. The Member referenced the state, but I would say more than that: everybody has a responsibility to step forward. If you were a member of a paramilitary organisation or if you have justified the behaviour of paramilitary organisations or unlawful behaviour, wherever that comes from, that is simply wrong. People should step forward and try to give that help, support, truth and justice to the victims who have suffered the most.

167 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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