European Court of Justice

Thursday, 9 October 2025

Questions (272)

Matt Carthy

Question:

272. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take in response to the ruling by the European Court of Justice that the exclusion of compensation for pain and suffering under Ireland’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) is precluded by a 2004 EU directive that requires compensation to be fair, appropriate and take into account the seriousness of the consequences of the crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54374/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

I welcome the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 2 October. The State supported a referral by the High Court for a preliminary ruling seeking clarity and guidance on the nature of damages that should be covered in a national scheme for compensation to victim of violent intentional crimes.

The High Court will now consider the implications of the judgment and decide the case that was referred to the CJEU.

In the meantime, my Department will also be giving careful consideration to the judgment.