Menu
05/05/2004
Fraudulent claims cost £5m from public funds
A scheme aimed at compensating individuals affected by terrorism in Northern Ireland is believed to have cost public funds more than £5 million in fraudulent claims.
A report by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) into the new Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which was introduced in 2001, said it was "extremely concerned to find there has been significant abuse of the Terrorism Act compensation scheme," since its introduction three years ago.
Chairman of the NIAC, Michael Mates, said that while the new Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme had posed problems in its inception, any teething problems had now been ironed out. However, Mr Mates did express concern at the number of claims which increased significantly "at a time when we would have expected a reduction because of a greatly reduced operational deployment of the Army".
"While new, robust, claims procedures and improved liaison with the Army have resulted in a dramatic reduction in claims from an average of 633 to 67 per month, the Government must continue to review compensation schemes to ensure that any irregularities are detected and resolved at an early stage," he said.
Today's Report looked specifically at the role of the Compensation Agency in: supporting the victims of violent crime by providing compensation for serious injuries and financial loss; sustaining the confidence of the community by providing compensation for physical damage and consequential loss arising from criminal damage to property; and providing compensation to those who suffer loss from action taken under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Mr Mates said that the Compensation Agency undertook an important role in Northern Ireland and that the NIAC was satisfied that the Agency was undertaking the job it was set up to do.
"We expect that the improving security situation will have a significant impact on the future work of the Agency. In particular, the overall level of claims is expected to fall further as a result of these improvements," he concluded.
(MB)
A report by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) into the new Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which was introduced in 2001, said it was "extremely concerned to find there has been significant abuse of the Terrorism Act compensation scheme," since its introduction three years ago.
Chairman of the NIAC, Michael Mates, said that while the new Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme had posed problems in its inception, any teething problems had now been ironed out. However, Mr Mates did express concern at the number of claims which increased significantly "at a time when we would have expected a reduction because of a greatly reduced operational deployment of the Army".
"While new, robust, claims procedures and improved liaison with the Army have resulted in a dramatic reduction in claims from an average of 633 to 67 per month, the Government must continue to review compensation schemes to ensure that any irregularities are detected and resolved at an early stage," he said.
Today's Report looked specifically at the role of the Compensation Agency in: supporting the victims of violent crime by providing compensation for serious injuries and financial loss; sustaining the confidence of the community by providing compensation for physical damage and consequential loss arising from criminal damage to property; and providing compensation to those who suffer loss from action taken under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Mr Mates said that the Compensation Agency undertook an important role in Northern Ireland and that the NIAC was satisfied that the Agency was undertaking the job it was set up to do.
"We expect that the improving security situation will have a significant impact on the future work of the Agency. In particular, the overall level of claims is expected to fall further as a result of these improvements," he concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 September 2013
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
08 April 2002
Omagh victim's families still awaiting compensation
It has been revealed that several of the families who lost relatives in the Omagh bombing in 1998 have not received compensation. The Omagh Victims group said that this was despite government claims that the claims would be put on the "fast track".
Omagh victim's families still awaiting compensation
It has been revealed that several of the families who lost relatives in the Omagh bombing in 1998 have not received compensation. The Omagh Victims group said that this was despite government claims that the claims would be put on the "fast track".
02 July 2012
Ulster Bank Customers 'Put To Back Of RBS Queue'
RBS Group has been accused of putting Northern Ireland customers "to the back of the queue" as they face entering a third week of account problems at Ulster Bank. NI Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker said the banking group, which owns Ulster Bank, had "serious questions" to answer for the way customers here have been treated.
Ulster Bank Customers 'Put To Back Of RBS Queue'
RBS Group has been accused of putting Northern Ireland customers "to the back of the queue" as they face entering a third week of account problems at Ulster Bank. NI Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker said the banking group, which owns Ulster Bank, had "serious questions" to answer for the way customers here have been treated.
19 September 2002
Clinical compensation payments scrutinised by PAC
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken evidence today from the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety over compensation payments for clinical negligence.
Clinical compensation payments scrutinised by PAC
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken evidence today from the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety over compensation payments for clinical negligence.
09 July 2019
Tributes As Abuse Inquiry Chair Dies
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
Tributes As Abuse Inquiry Chair Dies
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
