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.

The minister said the Victims of Crime Bill was at “an advanced stage”. “It will be published in the next few weeks,” she said.

She said gardaí had already demonstrated their commitment to the directive by setting up a Victim Support Office, with dedicated victim liason staff in each of the 28 Garda divisions. She said she had also increased by 21% funding for the Victims of Crime office which supports State agencies and NGOs providing support for victims.

In a separate development, the minister signed off on the long-awaited DNA Database which will become operational on November 20.

Dr Sheila Willis, head of the State’s forensic agency, warned on Thursday that her outdated facilities were not suitable for operating the database and voiced concern that construction of a new facility, planned 15 years ago, would not start until 2019.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “Any opportunity to bring forward the start date of construction will be taken.” But she said she did not believe there was any question mark over the quality of the database.

She paid tribute to Dr Willis and said she had spoken with her and assured her of extra funding for new staff which, she said, would help the situation.