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05/09/2002
'Humiliation' of Omagh injured leads to procedural review
Following revelations that two women who survived the Omagh bomb were "humiliated" when they were asked to strip in front of lawyers for an examination of their scars, Victims Minister Des Brown has said that the method of assessment will now be reviewed.
Mr Brown has appointed Professor Desmond Greer from Queen's University's Faculty of Law to undertake a review of the practice of lawyers in Northern Ireland viewing scars of applicants in Criminal Compensation cases.
Announcing the review, Des Browne said: "There was widespread public concern following the revelation that two women victims of the Omagh bombing were greatly distressed at being asked to expose their scars in front of a number of lawyers. I shared that concern and promised a thorough investigation.
"The viewing of scars is common practice in Northern Ireland, often in criminal injuries claims, in response to requests from the applicants' legal representatives. I want a procedure in place for criminal injuries cases that will ensure that applicants are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect.
Commenting on the appointment of Professor Greer the Minister said that Prof Greer had "considerable experience in this area", as Mr Greer had been a member of Ken Bloomfield's team which reviewed the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
The Minister has further instructed that while the review is being conducted, lawyers representing the Compensation Agency should not participate in any further viewing of scars or injuries.
The only exception is where the scar or injury is easily visible and the applicant's full consent has been obtained by their legal advisors in advance.
(GMcG)
Mr Brown has appointed Professor Desmond Greer from Queen's University's Faculty of Law to undertake a review of the practice of lawyers in Northern Ireland viewing scars of applicants in Criminal Compensation cases.
Announcing the review, Des Browne said: "There was widespread public concern following the revelation that two women victims of the Omagh bombing were greatly distressed at being asked to expose their scars in front of a number of lawyers. I shared that concern and promised a thorough investigation.
"The viewing of scars is common practice in Northern Ireland, often in criminal injuries claims, in response to requests from the applicants' legal representatives. I want a procedure in place for criminal injuries cases that will ensure that applicants are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect.
Commenting on the appointment of Professor Greer the Minister said that Prof Greer had "considerable experience in this area", as Mr Greer had been a member of Ken Bloomfield's team which reviewed the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
The Minister has further instructed that while the review is being conducted, lawyers representing the Compensation Agency should not participate in any further viewing of scars or injuries.
The only exception is where the scar or injury is easily visible and the applicant's full consent has been obtained by their legal advisors in advance.
(GMcG)
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