Vol. 557 No. 4
134 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1 to 7 of 6 November 2001, the Government's plans to give effect to the recommendations of the report of the Victims' Commission, including the range of measures that the Government intends introducing by legislation or by other means; and the timeframe for this project. [22184/02]
Following the publication of the Wilson report, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform initiated a consultation process with interested parties and all Departments and public agencies affected by the recommendations, with a view to drawing up an implementation plan. I would like to thank the former Tánaiste, Mr. John Wilson, for his work in this area.
Before the summer, the Government agreed a range of measures recommended in the Wilson report, including the assigning of a high ranking official of my Department to advance and monitor the implementation of the recommendations contained in it. In addition, in respect of the recommendations relating to financial assistance and as a variation of the recommendations contained in the report, the Government have agreed in principle to the establishment of a trust fund, analogous to the Memorial Fund in Northern Ireland, to address the financial needs of the victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland and their families in this jurisdiction. A working group of officials from relevant Departments have drawn up detailed proposals for the operation of the fund. These proposals including legislative proposals are now with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and it is expected that they will be submitted to Government before the end of the month or shortly thereafter.
