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Fitzgerald proposes major reform of Garda compensation claims

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Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has published proposals for a major reform of Garda compensation claims.

Ms Fitzgerald has published the General Scheme for the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2017.

The new legislation is intended to repeal and replace the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts 1941 to 1945, which provides the statutory framework for Garda compensation claims.

Commenting on the proposal, Ms Fitzgerald said: “These proposals represent a major reform of the current compensation scheme. It will provide faster resolution of compensation claims for claimants, as well as reducing the legal and administrative costs.”

The scheme of the bill proposes to:

  • repeal and replace the current legislative framework for Garda compensation, which has been in place for 76 years, with a more effective and efficient scheme giving rise to reduced legal and administrative costs,

  • make provision for an independent assessment of quantum by the PIAB in accordance with the Book of Quantum, and

  • provide for the management of claims by the State Claims Agency, which will also facilitate a risk assessment facility to afford An Garda Síochána the opportunity to avoid risks identified.

    • The scheme will now be referred to the Oireachtas justice committee for pre-legislative scrutiny.

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