FG bill to keep crime victims informed

VICTIMS of crime must be informed when offenders are released or granted bail under plans for new legislation launched yesterday.

Revealing a new bill, however, Fine Gael also unveiled plans to restrict victim impact statements or ‘ban’ their publication where unfound allegations are made against offenders.

Party leader Enda Kenny said victims of crime had no status in criminal trials. “They have become bystanders in a process that affects them in a personal way.”