Debate contribution: Criminal Damage Compensation Scheme

Debate contribution by Mr John Stewart on 13 October 2025.

MLA: Mr John Stewart
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 13 October 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Criminal Damage Compensation Scheme
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5175578

Text

I echo the comments of others, Minister, by saying that our thoughts are with you. What happened last week was totally disgraceful and unacceptable. Minister, in the past 18 months, several people whom I represent in my constituency have been victims of a confirmed hate crime. Their property has been damaged, and the incidents have been deeply traumatising for them. When, however, they have sought compensation, which you referred to in your answer, they were unable to claim it, because the police could not confirm that three or more people were involved in that hate crime. That is unacceptable. A hate crime is a hate crime, regardless of how many people are involved. Will you look at changing the policy so that those people can claim compensation?

127 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 2510/22-27.

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