Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2005
111 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of compensation which has been paid out to the families of the 1972 and 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30220/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, following on from undertakings given by the Government in the Good Friday Agreement, a review of the services and arrangements in place in this jurisdiction to meet the needs of those who have suffered as a result of violent action arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland was conducted. As a result of this review, the Remembrance Commission and the scheme of acknowledgement, remembrance and assistance for victims in this jurisdiction of the conflict in Northern Ireland was established on 29 October 2003. The scheme was further amended in October 2004.
Payments which are made to victims or their families in accordance with the terms of the amended scheme are in respect of a death, economic hardship grounds, medical expenses and also towards the provision of counselling expenses. In addition the commission funds support groups working with victims of the conflict and their families.
To date over €3 million has been allocated from the scheme and paid to victims, to bereaved families and to victim support services as a result of the conflict in Northern Ireland. This includes a donation of €1.25 million to the Northern Ireland memorial fund. In addition to money paid out under this scheme, awards were made in the past to victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and their families by the criminal injuries compensation tribunal, which was established in 1974.
Taken together, the total amount paid to date in respect of those who were either killed or injured in the 1972 to 1974 Dublin and 1974 Monaghan bombings and also to the support services dealing with the victims and their families, is €1,982,339.
