asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the present level of support and compensation available to victims of crime in Ireland; and the plans, if any, he has to improve the position of victims of crime.
Written Answers. - Crime Victims' Compensation.
34.
My support in relation to victims of crime is reflected in the continued operation of the scheme of compensation for personal injuries criminally inflicted. Last year approximately £5,940,000 was paid in awards under the scheme. This year's Estimates contain a provision of £2,000,000.
In addition a sum of £8,000 has been provided in my Department's Estimates for 1989 to enable a grant to be paid to the Irish Association for Victim Support whose work I fully support. That is a token of this support. The primary funding of the association must come from the voluntary efforts of its membership. I would like to be in a position to make a bigger grant available to the association. However, the overall budgetary position prevents me from doing so.