Written answers

Tuesday, 7 July 2009

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Remembrance Commission

12:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [27455/09]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Remembrance Commission was established in 2003 on foot of the report of the Victims' Commission, A Place and a Name. It was charged with administering the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. The Remembrance Commission was established for an initial period of 3 years. The Commission's term of appointment was subsequently extended on two further occasions to give more time to those persons eligible for payments under the Scheme to make applications to the Commission. The Commission undertook extensive advertising campaigns to ensure the widest possible awareness of its role and of the categories of payments which could be made.

To avail of a payment under the Scheme, an application was required to have been made during the term of appointment of the Remembrance Commission. The Commission's term of appointment came to an end on 31 October 2008 and no further payments can therefore be made. However, as I have previously stated to the House, the long-term medical expenses of survivors of incidents in this jurisdiction arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland will continue to be provided for.

In relation to support services, the Deputy will be aware of the organisation Justice for the Forgotten, to which my Department has previously provided funding. I am also aware, from my time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the Department of Foreign Affairs provides funding to a number of Irish societies and organisations in the Birmingham area which work with and support the Irish community there. That Department can no doubt provide the Deputy with details of these organisations.

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