ANNEX B
COMPENSATION AGENCY (HC 271-1): SESSION 2003-04
This document represents Government's response to
the additional questions posed by the Northern Ireland Affairs
Committee as a follow up to the Committee's report entitled
"Compensation Agency in Northern Ireland"
(HC 271-I).
It responds to the questions in the order they were
raised and refers to the numbering in the Committee's report.
Question 1
The Committee had expressed concern that child
sex abuse victims were being unintentionally debarred from claiming
compensation because of flaws in the law. The Department undertook
to "examine again" the relevant legislation and hoped
that it would be able to report on the review's outcome in spring
2005. What has been the result of the Department's review of the
legislation? (Recommendation 5)
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The working group established to progress this review
is completing its work. Legal advice has been obtained and there
have been discussions with the Home Office. The review has proved
to be very complex, requiring considerably more thorough and extensive
work and research than had been expected. A review report is
being prepared and will be submitted shortly. Ministers will
want to give careful consideration to the review findings and
recommendations before coming to a decision on how to address
the issue. The Head of Criminal Justice Services Division (NIO)
will write to the Committee as soon as he is in a position to
advise on Ministers' decisions regarding the way forward.
Question 2
Is the Department able yet to report on its reviews
of the compensation schemes? (Recommendation 11)
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The Department is not yet able to report on the final
outcome of its reviews of the compensation schemes. Whilst a
substantial amount of the work has been undertaken, discussions
are still place with HMT on the wider implications of a number
of the reviews' recommendations. These discussions need to be
completed before Ministers are in a position to take decisions
on any potential changes to the current schemes.
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