NI: Hooded Man granted permission to challenge Troubles pension ‘impasse’

NI: Hooded Man granted permission to challenge Troubles pension 'impasse'

Darragh Mackin

Brian Turley has been granted leave by Mr Justice McAlinden to challenge the current impasse over the ‘Troubles Pension’ scheme.

Mr Turley was one of the 14 men who were chosen for ‘special treatment’ and were taken to a secret interrogation centre. The men were forced to wear hoods and thrown to the ground from low-flying helicopters while hooded. These 14 men became commonly known as the ‘Hooded Men’.

The Court of Appeal previously determined that the treatment would now be considered torture. The treatment has had long term effects on Mr Turley’s health. 

A dispute between the Secretary of State and the Executive Office over the funding of the scheme has resulted in a delay in the initiating of the scheme.  

Mr Turley has been granted leave for a judicial review of the decision by both the Secretary of State and the Executive Office, who he contends have acted unlawfully. 

Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, solicitor for Mr Turley, said: “Our client contends that the current impasse is, and remains, unlawful. He warmly welcomes the comments today by the Court that the issues at the heart of this case are exceptional and require urgent determination. 

“It is clear from both the underlying legislation in this case that both the Executive Office and the Secretary State have a role to play. Such obligations are unavoidable and require all steps to include the funding of the scheme in place. 

“We now look forward to the hearing of this matter so that the issues at the heart of this can be resolved.”

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