16 Iúil 2015, 14:32
Draft legislation seeks to strengthen victims’ rights
16 July 2015
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality is inviting public submissions on the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill
The draft Bill sets out to provide victims of crime with a range of rights, including the right to information about the progress of their case. It is being introduced in order to fulfil Ireland’s obligations under the European Union victims’ directive, agreed in 2012.
The Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has decided to invite written submissions from interested groups or individuals in relation to the General Scheme of the Bill, accessible via the Department website.
Written submissions should be sent electronically by email (MS Word or equivalent) and should be received not later than 3pm on Friday 7th August 2015 at the following email address only: victimsofcrime@oireachtas.ie
Committee Chairman David Stanton TD says: “This important piece of draft legislation sets out to place victims and their needs at the heart of the justice process. It provides that rights to information, advice and other appropriate assistance will be met effectively and efficiently. As part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, the Committee is seeking submissions from interested groups and individuals on the draft legislation. The Committee will consider any suitable written submissions received and may decide to invite a number of contributors to public hearings should it be considered necessary.”
Have your say and make a submission.
ENDS/
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Niall Collins (FF)
Alan Farrell (FG)
Anne Ferris (LAB) [Vice-Chairman]
Seán Kenny (LAB)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF)
Gabrielle McFadden (FG)
Finian McGrath (IND)
Fergus O’Dowd (FG)
David Stanton (FG) [Chairman]
Senators:
Ivana Bacik (LAB)
Martin Conway (FG)
Tony Mulcahy (FG
Rónán Mullen (IND)
Denis O’Donovan (FF)
Katherine Zappone (IND)