Meeting for Martin Lynn’s family
Deputy Geoghegan asks the Justice Minister to meet Sharon Lynn, whose brother Martin died after a one-punch attack and whose court experience was traumatic. The Taoiseach says he will pass on the request and highlights victim-support reforms.
One of the commitments in the programme for Government is to make the criminal justice system more victim-centred. Yesterday, I met Sharon Lynn, the sister of Martin Lynn, who died following a one-punch attack in 2023. The senseless death of her brother Martin and her interaction as a victim in the court process during the trial of Martin's assailant is a story that Sharon has had to tell on countless occasions, and I witnessed that anguish in my office yesterday. She stood on a platform with the Minister for justice and he indicated that he would meet her. I ask that that meeting take place. As someone who did not practise in criminal law but practised at the civil end of crime, I definitely think we can do better for victims. What steps is the Government taking to make the criminal justice system more victim-centred?
Comment on this
With the O'Malley report and so on, right across the board, there have been significant reforms in respect of support for victims through the criminal justice system. We will continue to have victims as a core focus of our policy. I will speak to the Minister in respect of-----
Comment on this
Sharon Lynn, about her brother, Martin Lynn.
Comment on this
I will speak to the Minister about Sharon's request for a meeting. I appreciate it is a traumatic situation. The Minister has met many victims over the last while. As the Deputy knows, Jennie's Law is coming in because of his engagement with TDs, families, Deputy Paul McAuliffe and others, so the Minister is responsive to situations. I will alert him that the Deputy raised this.