Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
821. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases before the Criminal Injury Compensation Tribunal involving the prison service; the length of time each one has been waiting for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33316/18]
View answer822. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of those that serve on the Criminal Injury Compensation Tribunal; the number of cases dealt with each year; the cost per year of the tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33317/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 822 together.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted (General Scheme) and the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers. Under the terms of the Scheme, the Tribunal is entirely independent in the matter of individual decisions on applications for compensation.
The Tribunal consists of a Chair and six ordinary members who are practising barristers or solicitors, supported by a Secretariat staff. The current membership is:
|
- |
Current membership |
|
Chair |
Helen Boyle, B.L. |
|
Ordinary Member |
Martin Lawlor |
|
Ordinary Member |
Grace Mulherin, B.L. |
|
Ordinary Member |
Cian Kelly, B.L |
|
Ordinary Member |
Mema Byrne, B.L. |
|
Ordinary Member |
Niamh Tuite |
|
Ordinary Member |
Willliam Aylmer |
There are currently no vacancies to be filled on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. I have ensured that a full Tribunal membership has been maintained in order to continue to address claims as promptly as possible within the funds available.
The information requested regarding the number of applications received and the amount of compensation paid under the both schemes is provided in tabular form below.
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received (General Scheme) |
Compensation Paid (€) |
|
2014 |
257 |
3.955m |
|
2015 |
217 |
4.016m |
|
2016 |
210 |
3.765m |
|
2017 |
181 |
3.978m |
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received (Prison Officers) |
Compensation Paid (€) |
|
2014 |
76 |
0.977m |
|
2015 |
75 |
0.575m |
|
2016 |
89 |
0.750m |
|
2017 |
107 |
0.741m |
It is not possible to provide an average length of time to settle each claim as it varies depending on the circumstances of each case. While applications are processed with the minimum of formality compared to court proceedings where compensation is being claimed under the Civil Liability Acts, in making their decisions Tribunal Members must be satisfied that all supporting documentation submitted is in order. In some cases there can be delays pending the availability of all required documentation and some cases are complex in terms of medical conditions being assessed.
Because of the manner in which cases are recorded, in particular cases which are opened but not actively pursued by the applicant, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the average length of time taken to bring cases to a conclusion as a composite figure for the number of cases actually requiring further deliberation is not readily available. I have asked that these matters are examined with a view to clarifying the position into the future.
