UU peer slams NIO 'danger money'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7817030.stm

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Hundreds of civil servants are still receiving so-called danger money, an Ulster Unionist peer has claimed.

Lord Laird said that around £500,000 is paid out to more than 1,500 Northern Ireland Office (NIO) staff each year.

"On what basis do they think civil servants working in the NIO are under a bigger threat here?" asked Lord Laird.

The NIO said the allowance was not "danger money". A statement said it was "in recognition of its work in the law and order field and is being reviewed."

Nipsa general secretary John Corey said: "It is part of the agreed terms and conditions of employment that civil service staff qualify for a small environmental allowance to take account of the particular circumstances of their workplace and the physical conditions in which they carry out their duties."