Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - Remembrance Fund Commission.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

135 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for the establishment of a remembrance fund commission in regard to the announcement of 27 February 2003; the membership and terms of reference of the commission; the way in which the funds will be disbursed; when the promised legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7075/03]

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

169 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of reference of the Remembrance Fund Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7868/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 169 together.

I am currently considering proposals to advance the establishment of a commission to administer the fund referred to by the Deputies. I hope to be in a position to bring these proposals to Government shortly.

In advance of that, it is not possible to give exact terms of reference of the proposed Commission but, in broad terms, it will address the needs of the victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland and their families in this jurisdiction in the light of the recommendations contained in the report by the Victims Commissioner, Mr. John Wilson, in his report, A Place and a Name.

I am in a position to assure the Deputies that we are anxious to progress this matter as quickly as possible and the fact that we have been able to provide €3 million in this regard in this year's Revised Estimates underlines this.