Menu
28/06/2011
£4M Paid Out In Road Claims Since 2009
An SDLP MLA has revealed that some £4 million has been paid out by the Department of Regional Development in compensation over the past two years.
SDLP Public Accounts Committee member John Dallat said on Monday he'd obtained the information through an Assembly Question to the Regional Development Minister.
Some £2.2m was claimed in 2010 up from £1.8m the year before. The majority of that was paid in personal injury compensation for those hurt on the road, while £892k was claimed for injuries from injuries on footpaths.
Vehicle damage compensation of around £200k on the roads and just over £22k on footpaths was also paid out.
The East Derry MLA described the level of compensation as "an unhealthy situation, must be revisited".
He added: “Clearly with over £4 million pounds paid out in the last two years there is an urgent need to review the notion that nothing can be improved. These figures suggest that there is much still to be done.
“The Department was also asked to address the issue of compensation claims here being considerably higher than those applying in England and Wales."
M Dallat claimed that the legal profession appeared to be setting rates of compensation and fees in isolation from the public and private sector bodies.
“In these times of austerity it is critical that there is an urgent review to establish if the seven recommendations made in the PAC report in 2010 are being complied with and the 'gravy train' has been halted or at least slowed down to the same speed as applies in England and Wales,” he added.
(DW/GK)
SDLP Public Accounts Committee member John Dallat said on Monday he'd obtained the information through an Assembly Question to the Regional Development Minister.
Some £2.2m was claimed in 2010 up from £1.8m the year before. The majority of that was paid in personal injury compensation for those hurt on the road, while £892k was claimed for injuries from injuries on footpaths.
Vehicle damage compensation of around £200k on the roads and just over £22k on footpaths was also paid out.
The East Derry MLA described the level of compensation as "an unhealthy situation, must be revisited".
He added: “Clearly with over £4 million pounds paid out in the last two years there is an urgent need to review the notion that nothing can be improved. These figures suggest that there is much still to be done.
“The Department was also asked to address the issue of compensation claims here being considerably higher than those applying in England and Wales."
M Dallat claimed that the legal profession appeared to be setting rates of compensation and fees in isolation from the public and private sector bodies.
“In these times of austerity it is critical that there is an urgent review to establish if the seven recommendations made in the PAC report in 2010 are being complied with and the 'gravy train' has been halted or at least slowed down to the same speed as applies in England and Wales,” he added.
(DW/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
02 September 2013
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
Changes Made To Blue Badge Rules For Service Personnel
Ulster Unionist Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, has announced plans for automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge for Service Personnel in receipt of benefits under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The Minister said: "Thousands of people all over Northern Ireland benefit from my Department's Blue Badge Scheme.
02 July 2012
Ulster Bank Customers 'Put To Back Of RBS Queue'
RBS Group has been accused of putting Northern Ireland customers "to the back of the queue" as they face entering a third week of account problems at Ulster Bank. NI Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker said the banking group, which owns Ulster Bank, had "serious questions" to answer for the way customers here have been treated.
Ulster Bank Customers 'Put To Back Of RBS Queue'
RBS Group has been accused of putting Northern Ireland customers "to the back of the queue" as they face entering a third week of account problems at Ulster Bank. NI Shadow Secretary of State Vernon Coaker said the banking group, which owns Ulster Bank, had "serious questions" to answer for the way customers here have been treated.
05 May 2004
Fraudulent claims cost £5m from public funds
A scheme aimed at compensating individuals affected by terrorism in Northern Ireland is believed to have cost public funds more than £5 million in fraudulent claims.
Fraudulent claims cost £5m from public funds
A scheme aimed at compensating individuals affected by terrorism in Northern Ireland is believed to have cost public funds more than £5 million in fraudulent claims.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
