Rights for crime victims to be honoured despite legislative delay

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said new rights for victims of crime due to come into effect on Monday would be honoured despite the Government’s failure to pass the Victims of Crime Bill in time.

Under the EU Victims Directive, all victims of crime will have the legal right to be kept informed about developments in their case from the start of an investigation to the release from prison of any convicted perpetrator.

Victims will be entitled to protection if subject to intimidation, and to give evidence to court by television link if vulnerable. They will be referred to victim support groups and, where a suspect is not charged, will get an explanation from the DPP.