Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
283. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of claims brought to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal to date in 2019; the number of claims settled in 2019; the cost of the settlements to date in 2019; the number of cases on hand; the number of these that are older than five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42108/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers two schemes:
- the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted and;
- the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers.
The Tribunal is made up qualified barristers and solicitors. Under the terms of the Scheme, the Tribunal is limited to a Chair and 6 ordinary members who provide services on a part-time basis. It is entirely independent in the matter of individual decisions on applications for compensation.
I understand that 117 new applications have been made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal to date in 2019.
I further understand that to date this year, a total of 80 cases have been sent to Tribunal members for decision. It should be noted that these may not necessarily be cases received in 2019.
I understand that in the year to date, 47 applications have been processed and completed. This includes applications where no award was made. 24 payments have been made totalling just over €766,000.
In terms of the duration of the process, it should be noted that it may take several years before an application for compensation is ready for submission to the Tribunal for consideration and decision, as there are a wide range of factors that need to be taken into account. For example, final Garda reports on the relevant crime are required, as are the outcomes of any cases initiated. In addition, in some cases the extent of injuries suffered by the victim may not be known for some years. Further, the assessment of loss of earnings for consideration by the Tribunal may be complex to determine and may require employer assessment and social welfare reports. These and other factors can have an impact on the time required in relation to any particular application.
