Vol. 448 No. 7
23 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to review the operation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal and to establish a restitution fund to which offenders would contribute; if she will consider restoring the so-called pain and suffering clause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2547/95]
27 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Justice the present position regarding the review of the compensation for personal injuries criminally inflicted scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2754/95]
29 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if she will re-establish the compensation for the pain and suffering element in the criminal injuries compensation scheme in view of the fact that members of the public who have been subjected to serious physical assault, including rape, are not in any way compensated in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3905/94]
41 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if she will reform the criminal injury compensation system to allow victims of crime be compensated for pain and suffering. [2722/95]
73 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice when a charter for victims of crime will be published; the priority this matter is receiving; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2859/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 27, 29, 41 and 73 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Government's policy agreement, A Government of Renewal, includes a commitment to draw up a charter for victims of crime and an immediate review of the criminal injuries compensation scheme. It is also proposed to establish a restitution fund to which offenders could contribute.
I have already met with representatives of the Irish Association for Victim Support and discussed with them these commitments and how the association views the implementation of the commitments, as well as the ongoing work of the association. I would like to avail of this opportunity to express my gratitude to the members of the association for their work and to repeat my commitment to continued support for the association.
The association, which produced a charter for victims of crime in 1991, is at present reviewing its charter and it will be presenting me with a copy of its updated charter on Wednesday, 22 February. I will arrange to discuss the matter further with it after that date.
