New proposals for a revised Garda compensation scheme have been published.

They will see claims administered by the State Claims Agency.

Under the current arrangement Gardaí who have been injured or the families of those killed in the line of duty must apply for authorisation from the Department of Justice to go to court to try and win an award.

There are currently around 450 applications awaiting a High Court decision.

It can take up to 7 years to finalise a case.

Over €9 million was spent on awards and legal costs last year.

The Justice Minister Alan Shatter says the new system will be implemented by the Garda Commissioner and will be administered by the State Claims Agency.