Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
24. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if, in light of the new polling published by the Commission for Victims and Survivors Northern Ireland on the impact of the Troubles on the population of this State, she will examine the introduction of bespoke troubles impact payments as exist in the North of Ireland and the island of Britain. [44117/23]
View answerAs the Deputy has noted, the Commission for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland recently published a survey of attitudes here regarding the Troubles and people’s experiences of the Troubles. The survey emphasises the fact that we live on an island, and as such we share experiences with our neighbours.
Successive Irish governments have consistently sought to acknowledge and address the legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors of Troubles-related attacks in this jurisdiction.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of measures have been undertaken by the Irish and UK Governments to support victims of Troubles-related violence. Those measures have been introduced at different times and have taken different forms.
A number of practical measures have been introduced in this jurisdiction. These measures included the establishment of the Remembrance Commission in 2003, to administer in this jurisdiction a Scheme of acknowledgment, assistance and remembrance for victims of the Northern Ireland conflict and their families. In total over €6.5 million was distributed. This included payments for individuals and their families, as well as funding for particular memorials and for victim supports.
On the conclusion of the Commission in 2008, special arrangements were made to ensure that victims resident in the jurisdiction who require on-going medical treatment for injuries sustained in Troubles incidents may have certain costs reimbursed through my Department. These arrangements continue today.
The Government also continues to demonstrate its commitment to the families of the Disappeared through resourcing the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains.
Other forms of supports have been made available such as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, the Reconciliation Fund operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and government co-funding for projects under the EU PEACE programmes. Provision of funding will continue under the PEACE PLUS Programme (2021-2027) and will help build on the good work that takes place supporting victims and survivors in both Northern Ireland and in this jurisdiction.
