Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has called for the Justice Minister to urgently review the qualifying criteria for a compensation scheme in light of recent racist attacks on houses and businesses.
Mr. Beattie commented.
“This weeks’ series of racist inspired violence has thrown up a number of issues that politicians need to deal with at pace. Amongst them is how we resource our police service in the long term to ensure resilience in meeting todays challenges. In the short term, how we apply the rules around the Stormont Criminal Damage Compensation Scheme which is administered by the Department of Justice must be reviewed.
“This scheme was first designed during our troubles and remains in place today for any criminal damage perpetrated by paramilitary organisations or an unlawful assembly of more than 3 people. However, recent applications have been denied because the police couldn’t establish the qualifying criteria. One of those denied compensation previously was Mohammed Idris, the owner of the cafe attacked this week on Sandy Row.
“In fact, over 72% of applicants are denied compensation and the Victims of Crime Commissioner believes it is not fit for purpose. However, it is important that, in todays’ environment, it is not closed down but rapidly reviewed so it can meet the new challenges we face. “
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