Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2016
63. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding compensation claims in An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36818/16]
View answerThe Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 and 1945 provide for a scheme of compensation for members of An Garda Síochána who are maliciously injured in the course of their duty or in relation to the performance of their duties as members of An Garda Síochána and for the dependants of members who have died from injuries maliciously inflicted on them.
Under the Acts, I as Minister, have the responsibility to approve or refuse applications for compensation, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the legislation. This assessment is discharged by designated officials of my Department. Before deciding if an applicant should be authorised to apply to the High Court for compensation in respect of the injury, all medical reports submitted by the applicant, together with a report on the incident by the Garda Commissioner and a report on the injury by the Garda Chief Medical Officer are examined. Depending on the details of any particular case, this process may take a considerable amount of time.
Insofar as the information sought by the Deputy is concerned, I regret that it could only be compiled by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and resources. Having said that, if the Deputy wishes to raise any specific case(s) with me, I will endeavour to provide an update on the current status of the case(s).
