Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2017
133. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if documentation relating to an application (details supplied) to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal has been received; if a receipt can be issued for this documentation; and the timeframe for an award to be made in respect of this case. [48370/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which has responsibility for the administration of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted, is independent of my Department in the processing of individual applications under the Scheme. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Tribunal.
Applications in the first instance are decided on a file of papers submitted to a single Tribunal Member for consideration as to whether payment of compensation is appropriate. Each case is addressed on the basis of its individual circumstances. While applications are processed with the minimum of formality compared to court proceedings, in making their decisions Tribunal members must be satisfied that all supporting documentation submitted is in order e.g. Garda reports arising from the related criminal investigation, vouched receipts for expenses, medical reports.
With regard to your specific query concerning an application, I understand that an initial acknowledgement has issued from the Tribunal, however, it has sought further information from the applicant. This information has not yet been received by the Tribunal and therefore the file cannot be submitted to a member for consideration. I would point out to the Deputy that there can be delays in progressing applications pending the availability of all required documentation and as a result, waiting times can vary significantly.
