Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

The Executive Office - Appointment of the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland

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Published on Monday 4 August 2025

Mrs O’Neill (The First Minister) and Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister): We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors. Joe McVey will take up the post on 6 October and brings a wealth of experience from the community and voluntary sector.

Meeting the needs of victims and survivors remains a top priority for both our department and the wider Executive. We are fully committed to the actions outlined in the new Strategy for Victims & Survivors 2024–2034, launched in October. We recognise that addressing the legacy of the past and building a better future are vital concerns for victims and survivors.

Victims and survivors deserve recognition, support, and services that are trauma-informed and centred on their needs. We are committed to ensuring these services empower individuals and contribute to a shared, peaceful future.

The role of the Commissioner is essential in providing victims and survivors with a strong, independent voice—someone who can advocate for their needs, ensure their concerns are prioritised, and help them remain active, supported members of our society.

Joe brings extensive senior-level experience from the voluntary and community sector and we are confident he will be a passionate and effective champion for the needs of victims and survivors. We wish him well as he undertakes this important role and look forward to engaging with him as he works to bring about real improvements to the lives of those who have suffered because of our past.