Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
940 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite the part-payment of a compensation award due this August/September to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17640/12]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that while funding for the payment of compensation under the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted is made available from my Department's Vote, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is independent in terms of both its decision making and administrative functions under the Scheme.
Furthermore, as I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, the Tribunal, in common with all publicly funded bodies, has a responsibility to manage its resources in such a way as to ensure that compensation is available to the greatest possible number of applicants under the Scheme. In this regard, I am informed that it has become necessary for the Tribunal to introduce an upper limit of €250,000 to the amount that may be paid under an individual award during 2012. I am satisfied that this amount represents a substantial payment in circumstances where the balance of the award will be paid in subsequent years and, indeed, where the State itself is not responsible for the injuries suffered by the unfortunate victim.
