Some 42 groups providing support to victims of crime will hold talks with Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern today to outline their experiences and concerns.
The three-hour meeting at Jurys Croke Park hotel will also provide Mr Ahern the opportunity to discuss the Government’s new Victims Initiative.
It provides for a Bill containing measures to reform the victim impact statement mechanism and new procedures to deal with an acquittal if compelling evidence of guilt emerges.
Mr Ahern said: “I am looking forward to hearing at first hand the views of the victims groups.
“I have met many of them since coming into office but the Croke Park summit will provide in a sense a one-stop shop which should prove very beneficial for everyone.
“I intend to progress my legislative initiative in partnership with the groups and to place victims in the centre of the criminal justice system.”
A new Victims of Crime office has opened within the Department of Justice to improve support services to crime victims, both by NGOs and stage agencies, throughout the country.
The Justice for Victims of Crime Bill is expected to be drafted and presented to the Oireachtas by early next year.
PA