Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Court Awards.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

95 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total amount paid out, either in respect of court awards or out of court settlements, for claims taken against members of the Garda in respect of assault, unlawful arrest, or other breaches of a citizen's rights in respect of 2001, 2002 and 2003 to date; the number of cases in which awards were made by the courts; the number of cases which were settled out of court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23370/03]

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

The information requested by the Deputy with regard to court awards and out of court settlements taken against members of the Garda in respect of assault, unlawful arrest or other breaches of citizens' rights is set out in tabular form. The details given cover the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 to date.

Civil actions may be taken by the general public against members of the Garda Síochána for compensation for alleged wrongs and personal injuries inflicted on them by Garda members in the performance of their duties. The highest percentage of these types of civil actions against the Garda Síochána are for assault and unlawful arrest. The great majority of these cases have been settled for less than €25,500.

Year(Total Amount)		Assault€	Unlawful Arrest€	Other€
2001€1,619,746.83	Awards	1,904.61 (1)	20,950.68 (2)	22,220.42 (1)
	Settlements	123,164.59 (5)	33,965.49 (3)	162,782.25 (9)
	Costs	244,665.35	123,199.41	886,894.03
	Total	369,734.55	178,115.58	1,071,896.70
20021,240,388.40	Awards	1,270 (1)	3,809.21 (1)	56,500 (2)
	Settlements	166,924.48 (6)	106,835.58(10)	185,078.82(11)
	Costs	230,769.67	148,714.19	340,486.45
	Total	398,964.15	259,358.98	582,065.27
2003(as of 10 October 2003)1,071,828.64	Awards	11,000 (1)	10,000 (2)	4,870 (2)
	Settlements	75,000 (4)	294,511 (3)	37,814.84 (3)
	Costs	129,434.32	27,177.80	482,020.68
	Total	215,434.32	331,688.80	524,705.52

The number of cases in which awards were made by the courts and the number of cases which were settled out of court are shown in brackets in each case.