Civil liberties group welcomes victims’ rights bill

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said the bill will give victims of crime “full recognition in the criminal justice system”.

It introduces statutory rights for the victims of crime for the first time.

The ICCL is leading an EU project titled Developing an EU Training Module on the Victims’ Directive, which involves specialist training for lawyers on victims’ rights under the Directive in five EU countries.

In 2017, the training programme will be piloted by solicitors and barristers in Ireland.

Speaking after the publication of the draft bill, Liam Herrick, executive director of the ICCL, said: “The publication of this Bill marks a very welcome and significant step in achieving appropriate protection and respect for victims’ human rights in Irish law.”

Mr Herrick added: “The Bill as published addresses the principal requirements of the EU Victims Rights Directive - and ICCL welcomes the approach taken in the Bill.

“We now hope that there will be a comprehensive and inclusive process of consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that many of the complex issues addressed in the Bill can be carefully considered, including issues of balancing the rights of victims, accused persons and convicted persons.”