Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:407 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures proposed by him to improve the position of victims in the criminal justice process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9788/02]
Written Answers. - Victim Support Services.
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): My ongoing commitment to the care of crime victims continues to be reflected in the significant funding of almost €4.5 million which I have made available to Victim Support over the past four years. As regards continued improvements in the position of victims, I have to say that the work of Victim Support is critical to my policy of victim care. In this regard, it will shortly undertake, in cooperation with my Department, a review of its strategic policy and direction, the results of which are expected within a few months.
I have always stated that I wish to give victims of crime a central place in the criminal justice system. As part of this continuing strategy, I will shortly be embarking on a review of the victims charter which I published in 1999. The review will ensure that the standards of victim care enshrined in the charter are being fully implemented in practice and that any suggestions or recommendations in victim care arising from the review will be appropriately reflected in new legislative or administrative initiatives.