Victim statements 'should be mandatory in murder cases'

A support group for people affected by homicide is calling for victim impact statements to be made mandatory in all murder cases.

Support After Homicide is launching the findings of a survey today showing that families of murder victims feel these statements should be admissible in all trials and not just at the judge's discretion.

The group is calling on Justice Minister Brian Lenihan to meet with it and discuss the recommendations.

Support After Homicide says families of victims also want an automatic opportunity to take the stand at inquests.