Vol. 478 No. 5
103 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice if she will establish the Criminal Injury Tribunal on a statutory basis in view of the serious escalation of injuries to victims of crime; if she will restore the payment of compensation for pain and suffering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11638/97]
As I mentioned in my reply to Question No. 67 on 9 April 1997 (Official Report, Volume 477, Columns 704-705) the question of restoration of the pain and suffering clause is being considered as part of a review of the criminal injuries compensation scheme and I expect to receive a report on the matter shortly. The appropriateness of the non-statutory basis for the scheme can be reviewed at that stage.
The Deputy might note that the scheme continues to operate and that in 1996 a sum of £4.296 million was paid in compensation awards. This year, I have provided the sum of £3.432 million in the 1997 Estimates to meet the payment of awards as they arise.
Any proposals which I might have, following detailed examination of these matters, will have to be considered and approved by the Government before being announced in the normal way.
Provisional figures for 1996 show that crimes against the person have decreased.
