Victims of crime Bill
Deputy Fitzpatrick asked for an update on the criminal justice (victims of crime) Bill and its protections for victims, especially children. The Tánaiste said the Bill was close to completion, would implement the EU victims directive, and would be published shortly.
Pre-legislative scrutiny on the criminal justice (victims of crime) Bill took place in October 2015. Victims of crime, in particular children, must have their best interests protected at all times. The Bill will ensure this happens. It is also intended that a victim's personal statement will be taken into account when sentencing an offender. Will the Tánaiste provide an update on the current status of the Bill?
Comment on this
The Bill is very close to a conclusion. It is implementing the new EU victims directive. It does signify a sea change which we need to see in terms of implementation across the criminal justice agencies. The Garda is already implementing the provisions of the EU directive and the legislation will be published shortly.