Mary Carlin has campaigned vigorously for sufferers of abestos-related diseases in her role with the voluntary Victims of Asbestos North West Group (VANWG) since the death of her husband at just 56-years-of-age in 2003.
She told the Sentinel she was delighted at the recommendation by outgoing Finance minister Nigel Dodds that the law be changed to allow those suffering from pleural plaques - considered by officialdom on the lower-rung of asbestos-related ailments - claim for compensation for their injuries.
Pleural plaques are small areas of scarring on the lungs which are benign, but are an indicator of exposure to asbestos. They can signify an increased risk of developing more severe forms of illness such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
A change to the law would mean people who have been negligently exposed to asbestos, most often through their work and have been diagnosed with pleural plaques, will be able to seek compensation through the courts.
Mrs Carlin says she has been contacted by four new cases of men suffering form pleural plaques since the start of this year. Due to heavy concentrations of asbestos in industrial plants in Londonderry and in buildings constructed here up until the 1980s Mrs Carlin believes the asbestos time-bomb is still ticking as it can take between 20 to 40 years for the disease to develop.
She also said people with pleural plaques often suffer from severe breathing problems, are forced to take medication and can suffer from a poorer quality of life. They are deserving of compensation and Mr Dodds' statement is welcome, she said.
"I'm delighted to hear this. It gives people great hope that we'll see a change in the law to allow people with pleural plaques receive compensation," said Mrs Carlin.
"Quite a few people have come forward to us - a lot of men in their fifties. Since the start of this year we've been contacted by four men with pleural plaques. And I think they are entitled to support. People's lives are affected by it with breathing problems and reliance on medication.
"A few years ago the law lords decided it was a less severe form of asbestos-related illness and changed the law but I know they've been campaigning to have that changed in England and I'm really pleased to hear they are now recommending it here," she added.
Mr Dodds said: "We now know just how dangerous asbestos is, but for many years it was used in a range of commercial products, and even in buildings, because of its resistance to heat. Many people who have been exposed to asbestos, usually through their work, have gone on to develop conditions because of that exposure."
Mr Dodds has heard individual testimonies about the high level of anxiety associated with a diagnosis of pleural plaques and the suffering which comes from the loss of friends and colleagues to asbestos-related diseases.
The Minister said: "Having heard those testimonies, I have decided to recommend a change to the law to allow those who have been negligently exposed to asbestos and who have been diagnosed with pleural plaques, to claim compensation.
"Clearly, we cannot turn back the clock in terms of preventing exposure to asbestos, but we can ensure that the consequences of the exposure are acknowledged and addressed.
"In my view, it is only just and fair that people with pleural plaques, who are ordinary, decent, hard-working people and who may be in advanced years, should be able to call to account the people who are responsible for exposing them to asbestos.
"I hope the right to claim through the courts will provide some relief to those who, through no fault of their own, are living with this condition and that it will go some way toward reducing their distress."