Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
788. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice if the review of the current two-year allowable timeframe for making a claim to the Criminal Injuries Board compensation scheme has been completed; if anyone who was outside the timeframe may apply at a date in the future; if the two-year limit is in force for minors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47187/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is in place to help those who have suffered personal injuries as a result of a violent crime committed against them. The scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal which is independent in making decisions on individual applications and in its decisions on appeals.
Currently, paragraph 20 of the Scheme provides that applications for compensation should be made as soon as possible and must be made in writing within 3 months from the date of the incident causing the injury. However, the Tribunal can, in exceptional circumstances, accept late applications up to a maximum period of 2 years following the incident.
The Deputy should note that it is my intention to bring a Memorandum to Government before the end of the year seeking the Government’s approval to amend the Scheme. The envisaged amendment concerns the treatment of late applications in certain categories since the commencement of the revised Scheme in April 2021. Subject to the Government’s approval, I will be in a position to announce details of the new arrangements.
In the case of minors the position under the Scheme is that where the applicant was a minor at the time of the event giving rise to the injury criminally inflicted, the time limits in place commence from the moment the applicant reaches the age of majority (that is, 18 years of age).
