There was a 62% increase in the amount the State paid to victims of violent crime last year.

Some €2.5m was given to one person in compensation for their injury.

People who suffer a personal injury as a result of a crime of violence can apply to the State for compensation.

Family members can also apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, if their loved one died as a result of the attack.

The tribunal has paid more than €13.4m to 378 applicants since the beginning of 2015.

Source: Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal

There was a significant increase last year, when €6.4m was paid to 22 victims.

This compares to nearly €4m given to 56 victims in 2017.

The increase is largely due to one recipient receiving €2.5m last year.

As of the end of August, just under €700,000 had been paid to 16 applicants this year.

Reporting by Eoghan Murphy