Fine Gael launch Victims' Charter

[David Cochrane]

Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Jim O'Keeffe TD has today outlined his proposals for a Victims' Charter to put the rights of victims at the forefront of the Criminal Justice System. The Victims' Charter will ensure that victims are kept informed at all stages of the criminal justice process, vindicate the rights of the victim at sentencing, provide improved access for victims to compensation, and provide Restorative Justice where possible. Deputy O'Keeffe has also committed Fine Gael to extensive proposals to reform inconsistent sentencing practices in Irish courts and ensure that dangerous criminals serve tough and lengthy sentences.

Victim's Charter

Information – victims will have the right to be kept informed at all stages of the criminal justice process. This will involve ensuring that victims and their families are kept updated on the progress of the case against their alleged perpetrator.

Representation – Fine Gael believes that the DPP should be entitled to make a 'plea in prosecution' at the sentencing stage, in the same way that the defence can make a 'plea for mitigation'. The criminal justice process must take account of the victim's right to have a voice.

Compensation – Fine Gael will reform the existing compensation scheme for the victims of crime. This will provide for ongoing contributions from criminals into the Criminal Compensation Fund and provide improved access for victims.

Restoration – victims shall be able, wherever possible, to avail of restorative justice measures. This puts the victim centre stage, seeks to make the accused aware of the consequences of their actions, and is proven to reduce the rate of re-offending.

[hiker]

Good move. This will get a lot of support.

[Coles]

How does this fit in with a previous FG government's treatment of the victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

[DOD]

The whole Fine Gael Justice platform smacks of reactionary shoot em up cops and robbers paranoia. There doesn't seem to be any attempt to tackle causes of crime.

[Eddiepops]

My lord, I actually don't hate this. I especially like the restorative justice bit.