Compensation review launched prior to Kieran Doherty awards: Ford

JUSTICE Minister David Ford says a review of criminal injuries compensation schemes was launched before the family of Real IRA member, Kieran Doherty, murdered by the dissident republican group in 2010, were compensated.

By Kevin Mullan

Published 25th Sep 2013, 18:42 BST

Mr Ford said a consultation paper on compensation schemes and the legislation behind them should be ready by next summer. He launched a review in June.

The Justice Minister was asked by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Jim Allister “further to the award of compensation arising from the death of Kieran Doherty, what plans he has to review the criminal injury compensation legislation.”

Mr Ford replied: “In June 2013, I launched a five year Strategy for Victims and Witnesses of Crime which included a commitment to review the legislation underpinning the Criminal Injuries and Criminal Damage Compensation Schemes.

“The review has commenced and it is my intention to publish a Consultation Paper relating to the criminal injuries scheme by next summer. The decision to review the legislation underpinning the compensation schemes was taken before the recent coverage of the Doherty case.”