Speaking on a visit to South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) in Lisnaskea, newly elected DUP MEP Diane Dodds has re-iterated her commitment to seeing Europe deliver for the real victims in Northern Ireland. Mrs. Dodds was on her first visit to the Fermanagh since taking up her position on 14th July. Commenting after meeting SEFF Chairman Eric Brown to discuss funding issues and the needs of victims in the Fermanagh area, Mrs. Dodds said:
"The work that South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) carries out with those who suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists is invaluable. On what are limited resources SEFF do an enormous amount of work to make a real difference to the lives of many people who still bear the scars of Northern Ireland’s violent past.
It is vital that groups such as SEFF have the resources they require to continue this work and expand into new areas by which they can help victims. Today I heard of the ambitious plans SEFF have to expand their work, particularly with former members of the security forces. It is imperative that funding bodies, whether they are through Europe or the local Assembly, share the ambition of the victims sector in meeting the real need that exists among our innocent victims.
I have assured SEFF Chairman Eric Brown that I will be lobbying extensively for delivery for innocent victims in my new role as MEP. The DUP has made the needs of victims a priority. In government at Stormont we doubled the victims’ sector budget to more than £36million. I will be doing all in my power to ensure innocent victims receive the maximum support through the European Union that is available and look forward to working with groups like SEFF to achieve this end."
