New rights for holiday crime victims

Irish holidaymakers jetting off to the sun this summer will benefit from new rights if they are the victims of crime while travelling within the EU.

However, Ireland is being told to up the level of support provided for people who are the victims of crime while on holiday here.

A new report from Victim Support shows a dramatic rise in crime levels within the EU.

One in four EU citizens become a crime victim each year.

The new law aims to standardise services for victims of crime, which until now have varied greatly depending on which country the crime takes place.

From now on, all EU states will have to provide residents and holidaymakers with the right to access to justice, compensation for criminal proceedings, and the right to help with communications difficulties.

Free legal aid will also come into effect in 2004.

The survey shows popular Irish holiday destinations like Spain, Greece and Italy provide the least support for victims of crime.