Dermot Ahern
Question:197 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider introducing a scheme of compensation for trauma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4414/96]
Written Answers. - Compensation for Trauma.
My ministerial responsibility in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy is in relation to the payment of compensation in respect of personal injuries sustained as a result of criminal actions. The Deputy will be aware of the scheme of compensation for personal injuries criminally inflicted which was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Justice in February 1974. The effective date of the scheme was 1 October 1972.
The scheme allows forex gratia compensation in respect of personal injury where the injury is directly attributable to a crime of violence, or in circumstances arising from the action of the victim in assisting or attempting to assist the prevention of crime or the saving of human life. The scheme was revised by the then Government in January 1986 and the revised scheme was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in March 1986. Under the revised scheme, compensation is not paid in respect of pain and suffering attributable to injuries sustained on or after 1 April 1986. However, compensation continues to be paid to cover specific injuries with regard to medical costs, loss of earnings out of pocket expenses, etc. In 1994-95 approximately £6.6 million was paid out.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Government's policy agreementA Government of Renewal includes a commitment to review the criminal injuries compensation scheme, and to examine the possibility of setting up a restitution fund for victims. The review of the scheme is under way in my Department and I expect to receive shortly a report, which will set out the options open to the Government. Any proposals which I might have, following detailed examination of these matters, will have to be considered and approved by the Government before being announced in the normal way.