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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Criminal Injuries Compensation.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

170 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W who was successful in a claim for criminal injuries compensation in 1992; if she will ensure that hardship and other considerations are taken into account when deciding on priority for payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2101/94]

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is independent in the exercise of its functions. It has determined that priority as to payment of awards should be calculated by reference to the date of acceptance. It would not be appropriate for me to seek to interfere in any way with that determination.

My advice is that payment of the award in the case in question will, at the latest, be made early in 1995.

Since I was appointed Minister for Justice I have been conscious of the need to reduce delays in making payments under the scheme. In this regard I indicated, when publishing the policy document entitledThe Management of Offenders — A Five Year Plan, that I intended to seek an additional sum of £7.5 million over a period of time to clear arrears of awards made by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. I am taking this matter up with the Minister for Finance in the context of my Department's Estimates for 1995 and subsequent years.
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