Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to establish a fund to compensate victims of IRA-Gaddafi sponsored violence in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

I have every sympathy for the victims of terrorist violence, for which there could be no possible justification.

A Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme already operates in Great Britain. Responsibility for compensation of victims of terrorism in Northern Ireland is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive, which oversees the Northern Ireland Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

The Government has made clear to the Libyan authorities that resolution of legacy issues remains a priority for us. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised the issue of compensation in his meetings with Prime Minister Serraj and Deputy Prime Minister Maiteq during the London Ministerial on 31 October 2016. The Government will continue to encourage the Libyan authorities to engage with UK victims, and their legal representatives, seeking redress, including those seeking compensation.

The Government position remains that it is not able to negotiate with the Libyan government on individual compensation claims, as these are not government-to-government claims. These are private matters best pursued directly with the Libyan authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides facilitation support to victims, their representatives and campaign groups, where it has been requested and is appropriate.