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Victims of Crime Bill to be implemented ‘within weeks’

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David Stanton
David Stanton

Long-awaited legislation to implement the EU Victims of Crime Directive in Irish law has been approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill was approved by TDs last night, having already been approved by senators.

Minister of state David Stanton said most of its provisions would be implemented within a number of weeks and the remaining sections by the end of the year or early next year.

The bill introduces statutory rights for the victims of crime for the first time, including:

  • The right to receive comprehensive information on the criminal justice system and their role within it and the range of services and entitlements victims may access from their first contact with the Garda Síochána.

  • The right to receive a written acknowledgement of the making of the complaint by the victim.

  • The right to be provided with information concerning the progress of the investigation and any court proceedings.

  • The right to be informed of any decision not to institute a prosecution in relation to the offence committed against them and the right to request a review of that decision.

  • The right to receive information on the release, temporary release, or escape from custody of an offender who is serving a sentence for an offence committed against the victim.

  • The right to receive information in clear and concise language and to interpretation and translation where it is necessary to enable victims to understand and be understood in their participation in the criminal justice process.

    • Mr Stanton said that the bill had “made a good start in recognising the role of victims of crime in the criminal justice system and ensuring they will be informed and supported throughout the process”.

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