Jim Mitchell
Question:35 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce a procedure to advise victims of crime about their rights and court proceedings.
Written Answers. - Victims of Crime.
The various legislative and other initiatives taken to assist the victims of criminal activities were outlined in my reply to Deputy Callely on 16 February, 1993 Official Report, Vol. 426, cols. 96-98).
In line with the Government's commitment in the programme for Government to improve the court service and provide the facilities for greater access by the public to the courts, my Department has undertaken the preparation of brochures which will inform the public about court proceedings. Some of these brochures will be designed specifically to familiarise victims with court procedure to try to alleviate, in so far as possible, any apprehensions they may have about having to go to court. It is hoped that the first of these brochures will be available in the early part of 1994.
I am of the opinion that voluntary bodies such as the Irish Association for Victim Support which have experience in the provision of victim services are best placed to provide support for crime victims and it is my intention to ensure that whatever funding is required to enable them to function to an optimum degree will be made available to them in the future.