Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2014
152. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to extend the scheme for injured survivors of conflict at the victims of crime office to include the provision of counselling and treatment of psychological injuries. [26173/14]
View answerThe troubles on this island exacted a tragic human cost in terms of the lives lost, people injured and families bereaved. The impact of the many atrocities perpetrated over the course of the troubles lives long in our memory and is felt to this very day. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
As part and parcel of addressing the legacy of conflict for victims, the Government established the Remembrance Commission. Over the lifetime of the Remembrance Commission from 2003 to 2008 €3.87 million in funding was made available to individual victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland resident in this jurisdiction to acknowledge their suffering, to address economic hardship and certain medical expenses. A significant amount of funding was also made available directly to Justice for the Forgotten, a group which supports many of the victims.
The exceptional payments element of the Remembrance Commission scheme provided for the possibility for payment of counselling expenses incurred prior to the establishment of the scheme, in the circumstances outlined in the scheme. Some ongoing counselling services were provided through Justice for the Forgotten.
Although it was not possible for my Department to continue funding Justice for the Forgotten, I am happy to inform the Deputy that the group was recently awarded funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under its Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds to allow it to continue the important work it carries out for the victims it represents.
I might add that while it is not possible to extend the nature of the schemes administered by my Department's Victims of Crime Office, I can reiterate the assurances given previously that funding for certain ongoing medical needs of the people who sustained injuries in the bombings has been and will continue to be provided through my Department’s Victims of Crime Office.
