IrelandI was assaulted. Can I claim criminal injuries compensation?
Yes, you may be eligible to claim criminal injuries compensation in Ireland through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which is administered independently of the courts and not governed by the Civil Liability Act 1961.
What the Law Says
The Civil Liability Act 1961 does not govern criminal injuries compensation in Ireland. Instead, the scheme operates under administrative rules set by the Department of Justice and is not based on civil liability or fault. The Act referenced — s. 2 — concerns liability for damage caused by things brought onto land, and is irrelevant to criminal injuries claims.
Criminal injuries compensation in Ireland is handled by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS), a state-funded administrative scheme — not a court-based legal action. It is separate from civil claims for damages and does not rely on proving negligence or fault.
The Civil Liability Act 1961 deals with civil liability between private parties (e.g., negligence, occupiers’ liability) and has no application to compensation for victims of crime. Section 2 of that Act addresses liability for damage caused by things brought onto land — a provision unrelated to assault victims’ compensation rights.
Statutory TextCivil Liability Act 1961 s. 2:
— Civil Liability Act 1961, s. 2 — Liability for damage caused by things brought onto land
What to Do
Report the assault to An Garda Síochána as soon as possible.
Apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme within 3 months of the offence (extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances).
Submit medical reports, Garda statements, and other supporting evidence with your application.
Await assessment by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal — decisions are usually issued within 6–12 months.
If dissatisfied, you may appeal the decision within 2 years of notification.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.