More rights for victims of crime

Crime victims will have the right to know when offenders are released from jail and seek a review of decisions taken by the DPP under new laws aimed at rebalancing the justice system.

The Cabinet backed reforms set to be introduced by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald under the Victims’ Rights Bill.

For the first time, the DPP will be obliged to give reasons for non-fatal cases as to why decisions were taken if victims question them.