Vol. 264 No. 7
asked the Minister for Justice if, having regard to the great burden placed on ratepayers by reason of the obligation on local authorities to pay compensation in respect of criminal injury to property including damage caused by politically motivated acts, he will introduce legislation to transfer the burden of payment of such compensation from local to central funds; and, if not, why.
66.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce legislation to provide compensation from central funds for property, other than State owned property, damaged or destroyed in recent bomb explosions and disturbances, including disturbances at Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will indicate that the State will not seek compensation in respect of its own property.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
In the aftermath of the recent explosions, the Government decided to examine the question of compensation.
As a result, they have approved in principle of the introduction of a scheme under which persons who have suffered substantial personal injury and dependants of persons who have lost their lives through incidents such as recently happened in Dublin would be enabled to obtain compensation from State funds. Details of the scheme will be worked out as quickly as possible but, in any event, it is intended that the scheme will operate retrospectively to 1st October last.
In present circumstances, the Government have regarded the matter of compensation for personal injury, which is not at present covered by law, as the first priority. The question of amending the existing law relating to compensation for malicious damage to property is being further examined.
