FG proposes new rights for crime victims

A proposal to extend the rights of victims of crime was launched by Fine Gael this afternoon.

The core initiative of a "A Voice for Victims" is to oblige all courts to take a "victim impact statement" outlining the effect the crime on the victim's life - before sentencing.

Fine Gael's justice spokesman, Mr Alan Shatter said: "The judge often has no insight into the effect that offences can have on their victims. I hope that the victim impact statement will have an impact on the judges when sentencing".

Ms Ann Meade of Victim Support welcomed the content of the proposal saying it included many of the issues that Victim Support brought up over the years. She said the victim impact statement was important as the focus is on the victim’s own statement and not a report by anyone else.

The proposed bill advocates mandatory rights for victims to information about services and remedies available. The victim will also be able to make representation on a convicted offender’s application for parole and early release.

It also prohibits the Court from preserving the anonymity of a conducted sex offender where a victim asks that an offender’s identity be disclosed. Victims would also be informed if a convicted offender escapes.

The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue criticised the proposal saying Fine Gael "failed spectacularly" to recognise the point of the issue and were merely proposing policy which was already in place.

"The key proposals which Fine Gael have cobbled together to present as a Bill are already part of the judicial process, and can only be taken as a welcome endorsement of Government policy," he said.

Fine Gael has said it is committed to carry out the proposals as part of its election promise.