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LOYALISTS TOOK OVER Paul Gallagher’s house in 1994 to lie in wait for a neighbour who didn’t show up.
They got tired of waiting, and trained a machine gun on him instead. He was left paralysed from the waist down, aged 21.
Now, aged 45, he’s campaigning to be granted a pension under the terms of an agreement signed by political leaders in the North more than three years ago.
Like around 500 others left with life-changing injuries as a result of the Troubles, he says he’s reminded of his attack every day.
“There’s a lot of chronic pain that I would suffer from, from that day,” said Gallagher, who’s currently studying for a PhD at Queens.
The whole paralysed area feels like I’m sitting in a pool of lava – a sort of burning sensation.
In addition to the pain he experiences from day to day, the shooting also left him with complicated internal injuries which are still causing problems decades later. He’s had to endure multiple operations over the years including one, two years ago, to have a kidney removed.
Gallagher and two dozen others who sustained severe and permanent injuries during the Troubles came together at the Wave Trauma Centre at the start of the decade to mount a sustained campaign for support.
They’ve been lobbying politicians to be awarded a special pension to cover the cost of living as they grow into old age.
The Wave centre, which supports families who were bereaved during the conflict as well as people who sustained injuries, says the pension has been costed by independent consultants at around £3 million (€3.4 million) per year.
‘Medical science kept us alive’
Efforts toward establishing a peace process were already under way when Gallagher was attacked in the 1990s – making him one of the younger members of the cross-community injured group. Others are aged in their 60s, 70s and into their 80s.
Initial compensation levels offered via the adversarial Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme were wholly inadequate, the Wave centre says. Gallagher described the payments as “derisory”.
“There was one lady in our group, she was injured in 1975 – so aged 17 she was told she wouldn’t see her 33rd birthday. She’s here now today, heading into her 60s.
“Medical science kept us alive – that wasn’t factored into the compensation at the time.
“People weren’t able to go back to work. There was no disability discrimination act in place to help with the barriers and the obstacles.
“In the 70s you were left to get on with it. You were stuck in your own home and that was that.
There was some friends of ours that were teachers and they weren’t able to get back to work. The schools weren’t even helping with getting classrooms on the ground floor and things like that for them. People were left on the scrap heap, really.
What money people were granted looked after their basic needs at best, Gallagher said – but sometimes the awarding of compensation meant that other sources of finance were closed off to them.
One man in our group, he had his own business and was insured for a million pounds. Because his injuries were as a result of the Troubles this compensation scheme sort of superseded that, and he wasn’t allowed to claim from his own insurance.
Stalled
The 2014 Stormont House Agreement included a reference to pensions for those left severely injured during the conflict.
“Further work will be undertaken to seek an acceptable way forward on the proposal for a pension for severely physically injured victims in Northern Ireland,” point 28 of the agreement said.
Gallagher said the process had essentially stalled since then – and called for politicians in Belfast, London and in Dublin to do whatever they could to help progress the issue.
He and other members of the injured group paid a recent visit to London to lobby politicians for support in advance of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Said Gallagher:
The people who were injured – these were people who were in the right place at the right time. They were in their homes when people came in and shot them or doing some shopping or having a coffee and a bomb went off and ripped their limbs off.
It’s a disgrace that we’re even having to go and ask the government to look after this. It should be the government coming to us and saying ‘what can we do for you?’ That’s the way it should have been done after the Good Friday Agreement.
The DUP, which is currently in a confidence and supply arrangement with Theresa May’s Conservative Party in Westminster, recently introduced a new bill in the House of Commons which would mandate the government to carry out a review of a pension scheme.
The planned legislation would compel the government to establish a review of pension support for those who were either severely injured or bereaved “as a result of acts of terrorism by an unconnected person or organisation in the United Kingdom” and to make proposals in the area.
In the past, parties in the North have been unable to agree on such pensions because of a disagreement on whether those ‘injured by their own hand’ (for example, planting a bomb that exploded prematurely) would be entitled to the payments.
Ten people – six loyalist and four republican – are thought to fit into this category currently. The DUP and the UK Government have said there can be no pension for injured combatants – but Sinn Féin have argued that to exclude them would amount to accepting a hierarchy of victims.
DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly, who proposed the new bill in the House of Commons this month, told the chamber:
I do not wish to dwell for long on the definition of victim issue, save to say that to me this is very straightforward. The terrorist, who drives a van into crowds of people, who wields the knife, who shoots to kill and plants the bomb, is not a victim, even if he is killed in doing so.
To me, that is absolutely clear and right. That is why I have clearly referenced in the long title of this Bill, ‘acts of terrorism by an unconnected person or organisation’.
Asked for a response to the DUP’s proposed legislation, Sinn Féin sent the following comments from MLA for Mid Ulster Linda Dillon:
“Sinn Féin fully support the introduction of a pension for severely injured victims. It should be open to all those in need of such a benefit and who fall within the medical criteria.
“We are opposed to any attempt to create a hierarchy of victimhood by excluding anyone in need of such benefits and who fall within the medical criteria.”
Dillon said Sinn Féin was proactively engaging with the Wave group and associated academics “who are working with ourselves in attempting to establish a practical resolution to this issue without introducing a hierarchy of victimhood”.
The DUP bill will have its second reading in the Commons in October. If it is progressed, and a review carried out, more steps would still need to be taken before a pension scheme for the severely injured is brought into effect.
Paul Gallagher said that it was imperative action be taken on the issue as soon as possible. Four members of the campaign group based at the Wave Trauma Centre have died since their campaign started back in 2011.
“It’s a moral issue now – they can’t just keep ignoring us,” said Gallagher.
I don’t know whether they’re just waiting for us to die off and then the issue dies with us. That’s the way some people feel.
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Seven hundred thousand is chicken-feed. What are we, Daily Mail readers or something?
chicken feed? im waiting for “its only a drop in the ocean” lame excuse. we don’t have 700k to send also rans on holiday how much will it be after paddy’s day???
It’s not holidays and if you don’t see the benefits of these trips; culturally, economically or from a tourism point if view, then you’re best if not thinking too hard about anything.
@ Ciaran – I agree Nth Korea is the example we need to follow! Just look how well they’re doing.
Any other country seeking to attract FDI would pay ten times this amount for the level of access it delivers…. money well spent IMO
Common sense is not welcome around here Ronan Morris !
we have sent 29 reps away this year at an average of 10k per head for 2/3 day trip.
9 were sent a couple of years ago.
Initially I thought I’d be outraged by this, but having found out he met Hulk Hogan yesterday, that alone is worth 700k.
If the weekly social welfare payment over the 5 years is takes at just under €200 then that equates to getting about 36 people off the dole in 2011.
Not to mention that if they are working they are paying income tax and USC into the system. Could the journal actually do some basic journalism to show the benefits of these trips. You know they cost €700k, you know who went where, so did any jobs actually come into the country as a result??
Or as Neal sdays, do you think we are Daily mail readers and gombeens!
you need to adjust your figures and account for this year and next if there is a next
paddys day that’s it, no other travel listed, looks like we are well on the road to recovery if gov spending is any indicator
daily mail readers is a new one, what does it mean?
I’m not gonna be popular for saying this I am sure. But honestly…. Yes it sounds like quite a lot of money but considering how many people travel, and the benefits to the economy arising from the visits…. Is it really that much?
With the amount of FDI, jobs being created and Ireland’s soaring reputation as a place to do business, seems like a good investment
Cheap shot journalism Dan, have vision rather than tease the people with populist simplistic takes like this
Correct this is populist rubbish journalism
its a bit low hanging fruit alright, the journalist knows a few idiots will say its a waste of money when in fact its anything but. its like idiot entrapment
This site is becoming nothing more that a daily rag.
Why don’t ye do some proper journalism and give us the figure of how much they have managed to to secure in investment and employment from these trips
Won’t be long till shinner comes along and makes up figure for you. Research has shown they get out of bed after 11am.
Ooh I bet that felt good Baz. A shinner attack. Nothing like it to get the endorphins flowing.
Druggie. .
The irish people are wising up to the protectors of Child Abuse. People are leaving SF in their thousands. Suck it in. The more they tarnish the good people of Ireland with their BS the more ill go on.
It must be an official SF day-off, as it’s still quiet at 11.45
How much have they spent on photocopy paper over the past 50 years?
I’m sure if you publish that number it will drive some of the leftie loons into a frenzy.
How much did FG & Labour spend on a web site John which the Supreme court found to be unconstitutional? Have they paid that back yet?
Lefty Loons, lefty Loons, lefty Loons. Go on johngingam, say it, spray it, write it, type it.
That’s a dopamine kick, just a slight one but enough to take you a little higher on this Monday morning.
Feels good doesn’t it.
And paper clips.
if you add up what the governments have spent on paper clips since their invention in 1933 that would run into tens of thousands.
Can that be a scandal too?
Kerry well in all fairness they couldn’t have found it was unconstitutional before it was set up now could they?
If we organise a whip around and raise another 700,000…would they stay away?
Con great suggestion but what other countries would these clowns except for expensive entertainment. This expensive would be worth it if they could add another 0 to it if that is the amount of proper jobs they brought back to Ireland. But is that really going to happen.
We already pay for ambassadors to stay in countries overseas all year round to put the Irish brand out there. We already have numerous tourist organisations & industrial organisations set up to sell the Irish brand…that one minister for one or two days of year is going to make or break the Irish image is beyond stupid!
Sweet lord above what an ugly bunch!!
I’m about to start a 10 hrs shift for less then 90 euro. I’m employed by the H.S.E. After 3 yr in study in D. C. U. My next move is to London where hopefully there’s better prospects.. Happy St Patrick’s day Ministers
What did you study? Did you graduate?
Well whatever he studied, he is clever enough to know when he is being exploited. No degree needed to recognise a system based on nepotism, back handers and gullibility.
Geriatric nursing.
I’m just wondering what the relevance of the nursing story is to this?
wexford you appear to think you are owed or entitled to a job cause you spent 3 years in DCU. what else do we owe you as a society?
What an absolute joke
Guys if you pay for my holidays to promote the country I will go poor class in with the sheep so long as I have a seat and glass of water every so often. I would bring my own bottled water but not sure if they allow that. I will stay in a normal joe bnb. And eat normal dinners. Won’t bring my make up artist bor hair dresser or my script writer . Just the nessacary advisor. And he or she will stay abroad for exact same as me. I also will take a salary of 40 grand a year. Will ye vote for me :)
P.s I don’t stutter band not afraid of EU or bankers :)
No.
I’ve no reason to believe you would be in any way competent for the role.
five would your own family even vote for you?
A waste of money.
Yes. It’s absolutely worth it. It’s really tiresome having this “discussion” every year.
Yeah but at least we get to re-enjoy several times the hilarious joke about it being worth it if they don’t come back.
some people spend their whole year waiting on that big ‘i hope its one way’ post. its good to laugh at their stupidity
700k over a 5 year period…buttons. I’m genuinely impressed it’s so low!
What other country in this world can get every other major city around the world turn Green for one day. Anyone who says that its money down the drain can not see the bigger picture.
I understand that turning the world green for one day is more to do with the efforts of the Irish aboard than ministers flying around the world, but St. Patricks day opens the way for these ministers to talk and promote Ireland to the right people about developing trade links, new export markets, inward investment and assisting the Irish aboard.
For example, new Glanbia plant outside Kilkenny, producing baby milk powder for export to China. Beef to be exported to the States, undocumented Irish in the states seeking citizenship etc.
Yes we have a lot of wrongs to right in this country. Doesn’t mean we should forget about our friends and family aboard too.
Should he not have gone too Australia and visit all the young talented irish living the life he could not provide .
if they are so talented then surely they could provide for themselves?
so its ok now as they didn’t spend as much as the last crowd? fdi is worked via ida and has nothing to do with politicians.
€700,000?
Money well spent.
Provided it doesn’t include a return flight…
Step 1 for lying with numbers:when the figure over one year looks too small to rile people up, give the total value over as many years as it takes to achieve said riling.
Tiny money in comparison to the amount of sales and inward investment these trips produce. Dare I say it “Excellent value for money”?
Have you all noticed all the pro government green fingers lately .. Election on the way there working over tine to make it look like the irish people actually love the pain this government & the last have inflicted on th furnish people for the sake of the rich banksters & bondholders .. Not 1 held accountable
Great photo of Obama with the sham
Obama looks like he is allergic to shamrock!
Why do we need a private jet to haul these crooks around the world? This country is broke, cant our Esteemed Leader and his Adored cabinet take scheduled flights? Its a case of fur coats and bo knickers, disgraceful?
Less than the cost of one hours interest an the bailout ……
Surely they should stay in their own country on Saint Patrick’s day as leaders to promote Ireland.
Lead a parade in a foreign country !!!!
Would he not be welcome at the front of a parade in his own capital ??? Maybe I hit the nail on the head…
Yeah,now I wonder what the true figure is.
Do they not have air miles like the rest of us that we can convert to tickets. Whats wrong with sitting with the rest of us who fly & work while we are on the flight. Obviously the fairy dust was sprinkled over the irish population if they want us to believe this rubbish. FUVE I will vote for you if you get in can I be your assistant, I will even move to where ever you live so I don’t require travel expenses.
Where is the guy can’t remember what his name was but he stated he wasn’t claiming expenses going for St Paddy’s Day.
700k for 70 million worth of advertising is the best bargain in the world
€700k, so what? Thats the cost, now whats the income. How many millions in investment and tourist income do these trips bring this country. Stop whinging.
Its like people complaining the Royal familiy costs the UK millions each year, Well yes they do, but how many billions do they bring in in tourist revenue and museum visits etc etc.
It’s true the recovery has started. Well at least for some…
The gravy train !!!
What do you mean, you know those hard working people need a holiday, worshiping the Pinnacle of the Draco is hard work lol.
We should be spending more to get our profile even higher than it is already.
So what? Money needs to be spent for international relations & appearances, so we don’t look like a bunch of peasants, FFS.
The only thing people have a problem with is wastage & ITT consultancy fees.
OTT, not ITT.
700k Jayus I wonder was it was durning the Celt kitten years.. When the wives, husbands, granny’s and pets where brought over?
Hi Ray, it’s in the article. 615k in a single year.
clearly it’s money well spent, he can hardly be expected to pay for a trip to the States all on his own no can he?.. Enda has been our best Taoiseach to date and is universally loved … oohhh wait…
It’d be totally worth it if they would stay there
Still classic!
That one never gets old.
post of the year. total genius, such creativity :D
I thought that the jet was out of commission? Didn’t he meet Hulk Hogan on a commercial flight?
700,000 how many went 350 ?? Free drink free flights free accommodation .. Pure gravy …
If they all flew economy and stayed in a mate’s gaff & drank dutch gold & ate take-away every night it would still be over the top for some people, the job is to promote Ireland and whether we like it or not these are the people elected to carry out the job, promoting our country & attracting inward investment, just get their asses home & not over stay the hospitality because they have plenty of work to do.
Populist rubbish from Journal. How does Kenny’s expenses compare with his predecessors like Bertie & Cowen. We already know Kenny earns 40% +less than Cowen in pay. He also travels economy class flights where possible.The goodwill towards Ireland is well worth the meagre amount expended. We have highest growth rate in EU to prove it, and jobs coming here- often as a result of such trips. But anyway this is the journal. Did it report SF flying 1st class last year !!!
Everyone knows because St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland refers really to the cult of snake worshipers in Ireland at that time. No snake worshiper can stand being in Ireland on St. Patrick’s day lol.
So it is the annual holiday for those in government at the expense of the tax payer, it is one way to make sure an epidemic does get into Ireland as well, have they taken their shots of vaccine?
have your say