DUP Alderman Maurice Devenney commented: "This is a very welcome announcement and the result of good work by the DUP who have fought for this for a long time. "It's essential that this funding was made available. It recognises members of the reserve for their years of service and their dedication and is very welcome." Justice Minister David Ford recently confirmed funding has been ring-fenced for the scheme that will cover part-time reserve officers who missed out on severance deals paid when the RUC was replaced by the PSNI. The deal was brokered by the DUP and the Government with Treasury money guaranteed.