To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what actions they are taking to reduce waiting times for the processing of applications by the Victims' Payment Board.

As of week commencing 01 April, over £38 million has been paid to victims since the Scheme opened for applications on 31 August 2021.

We are aware of concerns around the length of time it is taking for applications to reach determination stage. It is important to acknowledge that each application to the scheme is unique and with its own complexities, and many applications include multiple relevant incidents.

Our department has provided £5 million of funding to support victims’ and survivors’ representative groups to facilitate recruitment of welfare officers and admin support staff who can assist applicants with the application process. Additional funding has also been made available to provide health and wellbeing support.

We are also supporting the retrieval of evidence on behalf of applicants and the Victims’ Payments Board.

Our officials also continue to engage regularly with the Department of Justice and the Victims’ Payments Board to consider ways to help enhance the delivery of the scheme.