Naomi Long

Justice minister Naomi Long said the decision, which follows a 12-week public consultation, will “ensure this voice for victims can be introduced as quickly as possible”.

The purpose of the victims’ commissioner is to “provide a voice for victims”, promoting their rights under the victims’ charter and raising victims’ issues with the government and organisations.

Mrs Long said: “Since becoming minister of justice I have made it my priority to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to put the needs and interests of victims at the centre of our justice system.

“I have heard first-hand from those who have been deeply affected by their experiences as victims of crime, and I want to pay tribute to them for sharing their experiences with me.

“Having listened to victims and considering the evidence presented to me, I believe that establishing a new victims of crime commissioner for Northern Ireland would strengthen what we are already doing and help to put victims’ needs and interests where they should be.”

She added: “Given that it will not be possible to legislate for such a role in this mandate, and in order to ensure this voice for victims can be introduced as quickly as possible, this office will take the form of a victims of crime commissioner designate until legislation can be taken forward for a statutory victims of crime commissioner.”

A public recruitment process for the position will be launched “in the coming weeks”, Mrs Long said, and she encouraged applications “from those who feel they can fulfil this significant role in advocating for victims”.