Stormy debate expected as FG brings forward victims’ rights bill

THE political row over legislation to protect victims of crime, which flared up last week, is likely to re-ignite in the Dáil tonight when Fine Gael calls on the Government to back their proposals on the issue.

Fine Gael will bring forward their bill on victims’ rights, which will be debated by Dáil deputies tonight before going to a vote in the house tomorrow.

Last week, Fine Gael’s bill was described by the Department of Justice as “legislation by Google” because it was similar to laws already in place in New Zealand. Fine Gael published the bill in January and said yesterday it was a “culmination of a wide process of research into best international practice in the area and reflects best practice across a number of jurisdictions”.