John Bruton
Question:73 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she has studied the recommendations of the British Royal Commissions on Criminal Justice to help victims and other witnesses; and if she will implement similar measures here.
Written Answers. - Victims of Crime Charter.
I am aware of the report referred to in the question and am having it studied in my Department.
I have made it a priority, since taking office, to strive to make the criminal justice system more victim orientated. In reply to a parliamentary question on 16 February, 1993 (Volume 426, Columns 96 to 98), I referred to a number of initiatives in this area. In particular I set out the position of may Department in relation to proposals submitted by the Irish Association for Victim Support for a charter of victims' rights.
In this regard I might also mention that the association has submitted ambitious plans for expansion of its services next year and I have, in the context of the 1994 Estimates, secured a provision for an increased grant of £110,000, the amount requested by the association, to assist it with its plans.