Hundreds of people injured and bereaved by violence in the Republic linked to the Troubles are to be compensated through a new fund by the Irish government.
Justice minister Michael McDowell yesterday announced plans to establish a five-person commission and fund, known as the Remembrance Fund, to address the needs of victims of the Northern Ireland conflict south of the border.
The government has approved the expenditure of €9 million over the next three years to fund the compensation payments.
The move is based on recommendations made four years ago by the Victims Commission, whose sole member was former tanaiste John Wilson. It also follows the setting up of a working group last year to draw up detailed proposals to operate a fund for victims and relatives.
The new commission, which will administer the Remembrance Fund, will have responsibility for payments of:
- €15,000 to each of the bereaved families
- up to €15,000 lump sums to spouses and dependent children of victims injured to cover medical expenses
- up to €15,000 to families and victims forced to move to the Republic as a direct consequence of the Troubles
- a grant to the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund – the amount of which is yet to be decided
Mr McDowell also revealed that the payment for the counselling needs of people affected by the conflict would be met by the state's health boards or victims' support groups.
Justice for the Forgotten, which represents the victims of the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings and other attacks, welcomed yesterday's announcement saying the fund would assist the victims of many incidences of violence over the past 30 years.
In a statement, the group, which has spearheaded efforts to raise awareness of atrocities in Republic, added: "It is very important that the state acknowledges in a dignified way the special loss suffered by the bereaved families. There are many wounded who continue to suffer from their injuries and the assistance promised for them is especially welcome."
The announcement comes a week after Dublin city coroner Dr Brian Farrell revealed that he would re-open the inquest into the 26 deaths deaths in Dublin and one of the Monaghan deaths caused by the 1974 bombings.
Under a new tariff system introduced by Northern Ireland's Compensation Agency last year, injured persons north of the border can receive between £1,000 to £280,000.
People can also make an application for pecuniary losses incurred during their recovery.
Bereaved families, including parents, spouses, partners and children can qualify for a £12,000 payment.
