Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 4

Written Answers. - Compensation for Victims of Crime.

Ben Briscoe

Question:

103 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to introduce a system of compensation for victims of criminal activity; the current system, schemes or assistance, if any, available to victims of crime against property and the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7195/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Under the scheme of compensation for personal injuries criminally inflicted, all persons in the State may claim in respect of their injuries. The scheme allows for the payment of ex-gratia compensation in the form of certain out-of-pocket expenses and medical expenses 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 Government's policy agreement A Government of Renewal includes a commitment to review this scheme and I expect to receive a report shortly.

Apart from the formal scheme for ex-gratia financial compensation, the Deputy may be aware that, on 28 February 1997, I published a Charter for Victims of Crime. The charter pinpoints the legislation relevant to victims, explains the role of the Garda Síochána and brings together details of the various services available. The special needs of victims of sexual offences and domestic violence as well as tourists, the elderly and children are separately identified. The charter also explains how victims themselves fit in to the overall structure of victims support and emphasises the importance of reporting the crime in the first place.

I have this year provided financial support of £280,000 to the Irish Association for Victim Support who provide a wide range of services focused on victims of crime.

Accommodation has been made available by my Department to the association in the Four Courts and other courthouses. Where possible, account is taken of the particular needs of victims and witnesses in the design and planning stage of any new court building project or courthouse refurbishment.

As regards financial compensation for persons whose property has been the subject of crime, the position is as set out in the Malicious Injuries (Amendment) Act, 1986. This provides that, while compensation can continue to be claimed from local authorities, the right is, however, limited to cases of damage in incidents attributable to the Northern Ireland situation, or unlawful damage by a person or persons riotously assembled.