Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Victims Commission.

Seán Ryan

Question:

495 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on his proposals to establish a Northern Ireland conflict fund; the number of families or individuals who have already contacted the Victims Commission; the number who have already told their stories to the sole member of the commission; and if applicants for payment under the remembrance fund will have to retell their experiences to the new commission, notwithstanding the fact that they have already been interviewed by the sole member of the Victims Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22410/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Victims Commission was established, on foot of the Good Friday Agreement, to conduct a review of the services and arrangements in place in this jurisdiction for those who had suffered as a result of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The former Tánaiste, Mr. John Wilson, was appointed its sole member. In the course of his deliberations it is understood that Mr. Wilson met with about 100 individuals and groups. The purpose of these interviews was to build up a general profile of victims' experiences and circumstances.

The function of the forthcoming remembrance commission, the establishment of which received Government approval in June this year, will be to assess and process applications from individuals for financial assistance under various categories and in accordance with the terms of a scheme to be put in place for the purpose of the commission. The commission will decide on its own method of operation. Practical arrangements for the commission are currently being put in place and I expect it to be operational shortly.