Vol. 563 No. 2
158 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department is represented on the inter-departmental working group which has drawn up detailed proposals for the operation of a trust fund for victims as recommended in the 1999 report of the Victims Commission; if the working group has reported to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/03]
236 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government's planned compensation package for the families of those who died as a result of the political conflict in the Six Counties who were citizens of this State will be made available. [7567/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 236 together.
On 17 April 2002, the Government agreed in principle to the establishment of a trust fund to address the needs of those bereaved and injured in this jurisdiction as a result of the conflict in the North, and in this regard to establish a working group to draw up detailed proposals for the operation of such a fund.
The working group, which was chaired by an official of my Department, has now completed its deliberations and the Deputy will be aware that a sum of €3 million has been allocated in the Revised Estimates for 2003 towards the establishment and operation of a remembrance fund.
I hope to be in a position to bring recommendations to Government shortly with a view to the establishment of a commission to administer the remembrance fund.
