OMAGH VICTIMS STILL WAITING FOR FULL PAYOUT
Omagh victims still waiting for full payout
A MOTHER and daughter who were seriously injured in the Omagh bomb explosion are are still waiting for full compensation five-and-a-half years after the attack.
Former carer Chris Kelly, 51, and her 26-year-old teacher daughter, Suzanne have received a modest interim payment.
Mrs Kelly wrote last year to Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had promised to fast-track Omagh compensation claims.
She said yesterday: "He passed it to a Minister who said our case would be resolved by last September. We are still waiting.
"If it was Tony Blair's children who lost a limb I am sure he would want the best for them and no matter what it costs.
"They would not have to wait as long for a settlement. I will make sure my daughter has the best too.
"All you have to do is look at me and Suzanne to see our injuries or even look at my doctor's report which was sent to the agency several years ago.
"Are they looking for a way out of paying? I am appalled. It isn't just the money but the recognition of our suffering and closure for us."
The Northern Ireland Office said that 42 Omagh compensation claims are waiting to be settled. In 26 of these cases interim payments have been made.
The Real IRA bomb exploded without warning in August 1998 in what was Northern Ireland's worst terrorist atrocity. Thirty-one people, including unborn twins, were killed.
Mrs Kelly lost her left eye, had multiple injuries to her right leg and part of her elbow, lost her hearing in one ear and was in a coma for a week.
Her daughter Suzanne lost a leg and suffered shrapnel wounds.
A MOTHER and daughter who were seriously injured in the Omagh bomb explosion are are still waiting for full compensation five-and-a-half years after the attack.
Former carer Chris Kelly, 51, and her 26-year-old teacher daughter, Suzanne have received a modest interim payment.
Mrs Kelly wrote last year to Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had promised to fast-track Omagh compensation claims.
She said yesterday: "He passed it to a Minister who said our case would be resolved by last September. We are still waiting.
"If it was Tony Blair's children who lost a limb I am sure he would want the best for them and no matter what it costs.
"They would not have to wait as long for a settlement. I will make sure my daughter has the best too.
"All you have to do is look at me and Suzanne to see our injuries or even look at my doctor's report which was sent to the agency several years ago.
"Are they looking for a way out of paying? I am appalled. It isn't just the money but the recognition of our suffering and closure for us."
The Northern Ireland Office said that 42 Omagh compensation claims are waiting to be settled. In 26 of these cases interim payments have been made.
The Real IRA bomb exploded without warning in August 1998 in what was Northern Ireland's worst terrorist atrocity. Thirty-one people, including unborn twins, were killed.
Mrs Kelly lost her left eye, had multiple injuries to her right leg and part of her elbow, lost her hearing in one ear and was in a coma for a week.
Her daughter Suzanne lost a leg and suffered shrapnel wounds.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/502
Published Date: 12-Apr-04
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