Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
736. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take to examine the circumstances in which a person (details supplied) was not informed of the death of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37437/26]
View answerEnsuring that all victims receive the supports and protections that they need is important for me as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. While I cannot comment on individual cases, I can provide information on victims’ rights to receive information about their case.
Section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 transposes Article 6 of EU Directive 2012/29/EU (‘the Victims Directive’) establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. Section 8 of the Act relates to a victim’s right to receive information about their case.
Victims are informed of their rights under the Act through initial engagement with investigating Gardaí at the earliest stage of the investigation.
This is supported by structured information materials developed by my Department, including the Victims Charter and the “Know Your Rights” national awareness campaign.
The purpose of these materials is to ensure victims are aware of both their entitlements under the Act and supports available to them, and that they understand how the criminal justice process operates from the outset.
This early engagement is intended to promote clarity and ensure victims are properly informed of their rights. An Garda Síochána are committed to maintaining a helpful and supportive relationship with victims of crime. Looking after their concerns and needs is a priority for the organisation.
In certain cases, such as murder, road traffic fatalities and kidnappings, Garda Family Liaison Officers, (FLOs) will be appointed. FLOs are appointed to keep victims’ families informed of the progress of the investigation, and to ensure that they are afforded appropriate and relevant information and practical support. There are currently 474 specially trained FLOs in An Garda Síochána.
Post-conviction information is managed through separate arrangements within the criminal justice system, including Garda victim liaison mechanisms and relevant operational procedures within the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service, where applicable.
The Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Service provides victims who have opted into the service with general information on the prison system. The Probation Service, which is responsible for the supervision of offenders in the community following release, do not operate as a victim notification body under the Act.
