AQO 3190/22-27 Oral question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline any consideration being given to a Troubles memorialisation programme.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 19 February 2026
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 19 February 2026
- Answer due by
- 2 March 2026
- Answered
- 2 March 202611 days after tabling
- Department
- The Executive Office
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 2 March 2026. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mrs Little-Pengelly
The victims and survivors strategy contains a commitment to work with victims and survivors, and wider society, to develop a designated public space of reflection where people can come together to remember our past. Work in this space is complex and sensitive. Currently, the focus of the strategy is on preparations for the new victim support programme. Final allocations for the programme are expected to be made at the end of March. The delivery of the programme is expected to contribute to a range of commitments in the strategy.
Ms Egan
Thank you, deputy First Minister. The strategy for victims and survivors states that there will be an exploration of:
and how this can be acknowledged. Years have now passed, and many people are elderly, so it is important that the survivors have input into that work. How is that ongoing?
Mrs Little-Pengelly
We have had a briefing from our officials around some early preparatory work. The Member will understand fully that it is a hugely sensitive area that needs to be led by victims and survivors. There will certainly not be a one-size-fits-all approach. I have had the great privilege of working with victims and survivors' groups for many years over the past two decades. I have sat with victims and survivors and seen their tears, and I have heard very clearly how much hurt they still suffer now. Whatever we do needs to be incredibly sensitive to that. There is no doubt that the issue of the definition of "a victim" has been significant in this space over the past 20 to 30 years. We will be working with victims and survivors. I have said it before and will say it again: in my role, I feel that it is my responsibility to do absolutely nothing that would cause further hurt to people. It is in that context that we are exploring some of the options around the matter.
Mr McHugh
The deputy First Minister will know that the VSS is a key pillar in the provision of essential services to victims and survivors of the conflict. Given that, will she explain why there are four outstanding appointments to its board? Those appointments should have been made following a public appointments process.
Mrs Little-Pengelly
I thank the Member for his question. We always strive to ensure that there is as full a complement as possible. We are conscious that there are vacancies on a number of boards at the moment. We have been going through a process to try to fill those vacancies. A number of proposals have been made in this case, and those are under consideration.