Victim support organisations awarded €1.46 million in State funding for 2016

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has announced an allocation of €1.46 million for organisations supporting Irish victims of crime in 2016.

Fifty-five organisations will receive financial support from the State next year, including seven which are receiving State funding for the first time.

Ms Fitzgerald said she was working to “put the rights and needs of the victim at the heart of the criminal justice system” in Ireland and the increased funding would mean victims of crime will be “better supported in 2016”.

She said: “In Budget 2016 I secured a 21% increase in funding for services to victims of crime. This funding, which is administered by the Victims of Crime office in my Department, is allocated to organisation working with victims. Today I am announcing funding totalling €1.46 million in funding for these organisation.”

“Every single day these organisations provide vital and valuable information and support to victims of crime, including emotional support, court accompaniment, accompaniment to Garda interviews, accompaniment to sexual assault treatment units, counselling and referral to other services to victims of crime.”

“The staff and volunteers in these organisations are to be thanked for their tireless work in difficult conditions.”

Ms Fitzgerald added: “This funding will further assist the organisations concerned in implementing the terms of the EU Victims Directive in terms of providing information, advice and support to victims.

“Implementation of the EU Victims Directive will further be supported by the new landmark Victims Rights Bill which I am bringing forward.”