Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 November 2025
720. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is considering changing policy to address cases where victims are not afforded a right to information on the detention circumstances of convicted perpetrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61116/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to ensuring that the right to information for victims of crime is realised effectively.
Through initiatives such as ‘Supporting a Victim’s Journey’, the Department is committed to building a victim-centred criminal justice system. This includes a wide range of elements, from the work of Victims Liaison Officers across the justice sector to national awareness campaigns to highlight the rights of victims.
At present, the legislation governing this right is the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, which transposes the EU Victims’ Rights Directive. While the Act greatly expanded the right to information for victims and has been operating effectively in most cases, my Department is aware of complexities in cases concerning concurrent custodial sentences.
My Department is monitoring the operation of this legislation, as well as actively engaging at EU level in negotiations on an amendment to the Directive. It is anticipated that the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 will be reviewed and updated once the amending of the Directive is agreed. This will also include consideration of any issues that have affected the right to information in practice.
