malicious injuries legislation

as a result of Ireland's troubled history there has for some centuries been special provision for the payment of compensation from public funds for damage to property or personal injury in certain circumstances. In the Republic of Ireland under the Malicious Injuries Act 1981, as amended in 1986, compensation is payable by the state where damage is caused to property by two or more persons riotously assembled or as a result of an act committed by a person acting on behalf of an illegal organisation. In Northern Ireland, the Criminal Damage (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977 provides a similar scheme for Northern Ireland under which substantial sums have been paid out in recent years. In the financial year 1992–93, for example, £76 million was paid. In addition, in both jurisdictions there are schemes under which the state provides compensation to those who have suffered physical injuries as a result of violent crimes. In the Republic, the Criminal Injury Compensation Tribunal was set up to deal on an ex gratia basis with such claims, while in Northern Ireland compensation is awarded under the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988. See also criminal injuries compensation.