A new report published yesterday details the proposed statutory basis for a compensation scheme for victims of crimes of violence and for an independent body to assess and determine claims for compensation.

A new independent statutory body should be established with clear objectives aimed at acknowledging, on behalf of the State, the impact of a crime of violence on the victim, the report states.

The proposed objectives ensure clarity, certainty and permanency – features which the Law Reform Commission says cannot be achieved in a purely administrative scheme such as the current Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal (CICT).

The Commission engaged with victims, professional bodies, human rights organisations, advocacy bodies, individual experts, representative groups, and relevant government departments during an extensive consultation process.

It has drawn up a draft bill titled the Compensation for Victims of Crimes of Violence Bill 2026.