Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will continue to fund Justice for the Forgotten in its efforts to assist the survivors and the bereaved of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of May 1974, the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973 and other fatal incidents in this jurisdiction arising from the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41045/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements in place to provide for the long-term medical needs of persons who availed of the Remembrance Commission Fund which was dissolved on 31 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41046/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.

The Remembrance Commission was established in October 2003. The Commission administers the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance to Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. Under the Scheme, the Commission makes payments to persons injured, or to the survivors of persons fatally injured, since 1969 as a direct result of the conflict in Northern Ireland, where the injury or death occurred in this jurisdiction or where the victim was normally resident in this jurisdiction at the time of their injury or death. In addition the Commission makes payments to victim support groups for the purpose of meeting the counselling needs of victims or members of surviving families in this jurisdiction as a direct result of the conflict. It also assists the provision of memorials and other forms of commemoration.

The Remembrance Commission's terms of appointment formally came to an end on 31 October 2008. In its five years of existence it has dispersed over 6.5 million euros to victims and their families in this jurisdiction, including payments to support groups and the provision of memorials.

It is my intention that the long term medical expenses of survivors of such incidents will continue to be provided for. Consideration is being finalised as to what arrangements should be put in place in relation to other functions exercised by the Remembrance Commission, which included making payments to Justice for the Forgotten.