Vol. 530 No. 1
76 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce legislation to enable the Courts to require those convicted of criminal offences who have the means to do so to make restitution to their victim or victims. [2981/01]
Section 6 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1993, already provides that the court may order a person convicted of an offence to pay compensation in respect of any personal injury or loss resulting from the offence to any person who has suffered such injury or loss. Section 6 sets out the conditions under which such an order may be made, and the factors to be taken into account by the court in deciding on the amount of the compensation order. I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that I am providing in section 13 of the Children Bill, 1999, that where a court finds a child guilty of an offence, the court will be able to order the parent or guardian of the child to pay compensation. The Bill will provide that a court will be able to make such an order only where it is satisfied that the wilful failure of the parent or guardian to take care of or to control the child contributed to the criminal behaviour. In the light of these provisions, I have no plans for further legislation in this area.
