Vol. 563 No. 2
156 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a large section of society that feels alienated and let down by the justice system; and if he has practical proposals to genuinely assist the victims of crime in society. [7261/03]
I am, of course, concerned that all members of society are well served by the jus tice system and I am satisfied that this is the case. The Deputy may be assured, however, that where shortcomings are identified, I will take steps to rectify them as far and as soon as possible.
There are two aspects to the issue of addressing victims' needs – the rights of victims and services for victims. The model of victim rights in Ireland is a hybrid one covering both statute and administrative based provisions. This has evolved through the implementation of a number of significant victim related provisions contained in several Acts which reflected a growing concern to take account of the position of victims.
The victims' charter introduced in 1998 attempted to bring together existing practice in the area of victim care. This was followed in 1999 by the publication of a more comprehensive victims' charter involving detailed commitments from all the relevant criminal justice agencies, including the Courts Service, the Prison Service, the Garda, Coroners Service etc., which sets out the rights and entitlements to services and the levels and standards of treatment which victims of crime can reasonably expect. It is proposed to proceed with a review of the effectiveness of the charter in 2003 to ensure that it is delivering on its provisions and to identify any further areas for improving the care of crime victims.
Victims' services are in the main provided by the Victim Support organisation. This is a community based organisation dedicated to providing emotional and practical support to victims of crime. It also provides information about victims' rights, represents victims' interests in the formation of social and criminal policy and raises public awareness about victim issues. My Department provides the bulk of Victim Support's funding –€1,077,000 in 2003.
In June 2002, a major study of the Victim Support organisation was commissioned jointly between my Department and Victim Support. Its remit was to examine the structure and workings of the organisation and provide recommendations on its future direction. The study was received in my Department in January 2003 and work is progressing on the implementation of these recommendations.
