Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
488. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are sufficient members on the criminal injuries board to enable the board to conduct its business in a reasonable timeframe in view of the fact that many cases before the board relate to injuries which occurred up to and more than ten years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36226/18]
View answer489. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases before the criminal injuries board; the number of cases that were received in each of the past five years; the number of cases completed in each of the past five years; the timeframe to deal with current cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36227/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted (General Scheme). Under the terms of the Scheme, the Tribunal is entirely independent in the matter of individual decisions on applications for compensation.
The information requested is provided in the table.
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received |
Number of Cases in which Payments Made |
|
2013 |
228 |
105 |
|
2014 |
257 |
75 |
|
2015 |
217 |
159 |
|
2016 |
210 |
73 |
|
2017 |
181 |
31 |
It is not possible to provide a timeframe to deal with the current cases 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Tribunal is comprised of a Chairperson and six Ordinary Members who are practising barristers or solicitors. They provide their services on a part-time basis to the 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 term of office for all Ordinary Members has recently been extended to June 2019, pending the completion of a recruitment process for new members which will commence shortly.
