Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order repeals and re-enacts with amendments the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977. The principal amendments are—

(a)

to introduce a bereavement award of £3,500 and an award of £5,000 to a woman who intends to keep a child conceived as a result of a rape;

(b)

to enable criminal convictions indicative of the conduct and way of life of the victim or applicant to be taken into account in the assessment of compensation;

(c)

to restrict the cases in which compensation is awarded for nervous shock;

(d)

to increase the minimum amount of a claim for compensation;

(e)

to increase the discretionary payments limit in respect of children;

(f)

to restrict the introduction of new matter in an appeal against a determination of compensation;

(g)

to introduce time limits for applications for compensation; and

(h)

to exclude from compensation certain injuries sustained accidentally in the course of arresting offenders or preventing offences.