asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the increase in the number of claims under the Acts relating to criminal and malicious damages before the Dublin courts; and, further, that such claims are causing great concern to the ratepayers of Dublin, who have to pay for the damage caused by irresponsible persons; and, if so, if he will consider setting up a commission to examine the whole matter of criminal and malicious damages, not only in relation to Dublin but to the whole country, with a view to the repeal of this outworn code.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Criminal and Malicious Damages.
Mr. Boland
I do not consider that anything would be gained by appointing a commission as suggested. The arguments for and against the law as it stands are well known.
In my opinion the victims of malicious injuries are in need of a special measure of protection and I am not satisfied that this need can be met by private insurance.
Is the Minister aware that in 1951 the Dublin Corporation received 207 claims and paid out £6,254 under the Malicious Injuries Acts, and that for 1952, up to the 1st November, they had received 346 claims and paid out £5,968? I understand that at the November Sessions it will go into many thousands of pounds. Then the Dublin County Council paid out £951 for the period from 1st April to 31st March, 1952, and for the period from April, 1952, to March, 1953, they had to provide for £6,222. When you take both together, Dublin City and County in 1951 paid £7,205 and in 1952 £12,190.
What is the question the Deputy has to put?
With your permission, Sir, I think that as far as the Dublin City and County ratepayers are concerned they have quite enough to do to pay the rates without paying for the destruction caused by irresponsible people. A sum of £12,000 is a lot of money and the Minister should bear that in mind.
Will the Deputy put the question? The Deputy is making a speech and not asking a question.
I think the Minister should see to it.
The insurance company should pay.