Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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49. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of outstanding issues regarding the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal; if it is sitting; the number of appeals waiting to be heard; and if vacancies have been filled. [34822/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which has responsibility for the administration of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted and the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers, is independent in the matter of applications under the Scheme. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made of the Tribunal.

The Tribunal is comprised of a Chairperson and six Ordinary Members. Tribunal Members, who are practising barristers and practising solicitors in the Courts system, provide their services on a part-time basis to the Tribunal. There are currently no vacancies to be filled.

I am informed that there are 147 appeals awaiting hearing and the Tribunal is currently preparing an extensive schedule of appeal hearings for the first half of 2017. I am informed that the Tribunal has commenced writing to applicants and/or their legal representatives informing them of their appeal hearing dates. Any applicants not offered an appeal date during the first half of 2017 will be contacted by the Tribunal as soon as possible.