Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2014
132. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a delay in the appointment of members to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal; if he will outline its full membership, its role and if there is a backlog of work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17139/14]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I issued a press release yesterday seeking expressions of interest from suitably-qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment as members to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. Full details are available on the web site of the Department of Justice and Equality and can be accessed via the link http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR14000100.
Closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is 29 April and I expect to make appointments to the Tribunal as soon as possible after consideration of the expressions of interest received.
The Tribunal administers both the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted and the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers and considers applications from people who suffer a personal injury or death as a result of a crime of violence. The Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and six ordinary Members. The Chairperson and each Member must be either a practising barrister or a practising solicitor. As the Deputy may be aware I recently appointed a Tribunal Chairperson, Mr. John Cheatle, B.L who can, under the terms of the Scheme, determine applications and is entirely independent in that regard. I understand from the Tribunal that there are at present 51 applications awaiting an appeal hearing.
