Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached on the submissions made by Victim Support regarding funding at national level. [17231/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The disbursement of funding to victims of crime is a matter for the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. The commission is an independent body established in March 2005 with a remit to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future; and disburse funding for victim support measures. I am advised that the commission has received more than 60 applications for funding for measures to support victims of crime in response to a recent public advertisement. The commission will examine each application on its merits and will make a decision on eligibility for funding. I understand that the commission has received applications from Victim Support and former branches of Victim Support.

It should be noted that I decided to terminate my Department's funding of Victim Support with effect from 31 March 2005 due to serious concerns I had about governance and accountability arrangements within Victim Support and value for money arising from significant ongoing internal difficulties within the organisation. An independent review carried out early in 2005 concluded that the organisation was terminally damaged and that further funding of the organisation could not be justified. Issues relating to accountability for public funding already allocated to Victim Support remain to be finalised. I understand that the commission has informed Victim Support that it is not in a position to consider its applications for funding until the outstanding financial matters have been resolved, and I am satisfied with this position.

I anticipate that the commission will shortly be in a position to announce the allocation of funding in response to applications by providers of victim assistance services.