Vol. 458 No. 1
27 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has for reviewing the operation of the criminal injuries compensation scheme; the further plans, if any, she has for the establishment of a restitution fund; if she will consider restoring the so-called pain and suffering clause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16515/95]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government's policy agreement A Government of Renewal gives a commitment to draw up a charter for victims of crime including an immediate review of the criminal injuries compensation scheme. The question of restoration of the pain and suffering clauses is an important issue that will be considered as part of the review of the scheme. It also proposed to establish a restitution fund to which offenders could contribute. Work on the charter for victims of crime and the review of the criminal injuries compensation scheme is under way in my Department and I hope to receive recommendations in this regard shortly. Any proposals which I might have, as a result of the detailed examination of these matters, will, in accordance with normal practice, have to be considered in the first instance by the Government.
