23/01/2008
Fine Gael Plans Victims' Rights Bill
Fine Gael has published a Victims Rights Bill, which would give victims of crime specific rights and make provision to have their interests defined and protected.
The bill, published as part of the party's new victims' rights campaign, would require the State and its agencies to inform victims of crime of the appropriate and necessary services available to them and of the legal remedies they can use to obtain personal protection when necessary.
Victims would also have the right to be kept informed of progress made in the investigation of a crime reported by them; of the progress before the courts of any prosecution initiated and of the outcome of any court proceedings relating to their case.
Following conviction, victims would also be entitled to make representation on the convicted offender's applications for parole and release.
Commenting on the new proposals, Party Leader Enda Kenny said: "There is a common perception that criminals have more rights than victims. This Fine Gael Bill will give to victims of crime for the first time comprehensive statutory rights under Irish law and makes statutory provision for a Victims' Rights Charter."
Alan Shatter, the party's spokesperson on children, said: "For the first time in Irish law, all victims of crime will be given a voice and the recognition that they deserve. They will also for the first time be entitled to have any violation of their rights investigated and reported upon, introducing greater transparency and accountability into our criminal justice system."
(KMcA)
The bill, published as part of the party's new victims' rights campaign, would require the State and its agencies to inform victims of crime of the appropriate and necessary services available to them and of the legal remedies they can use to obtain personal protection when necessary.
Victims would also have the right to be kept informed of progress made in the investigation of a crime reported by them; of the progress before the courts of any prosecution initiated and of the outcome of any court proceedings relating to their case.
Following conviction, victims would also be entitled to make representation on the convicted offender's applications for parole and release.
Commenting on the new proposals, Party Leader Enda Kenny said: "There is a common perception that criminals have more rights than victims. This Fine Gael Bill will give to victims of crime for the first time comprehensive statutory rights under Irish law and makes statutory provision for a Victims' Rights Charter."
Alan Shatter, the party's spokesperson on children, said: "For the first time in Irish law, all victims of crime will be given a voice and the recognition that they deserve. They will also for the first time be entitled to have any violation of their rights investigated and reported upon, introducing greater transparency and accountability into our criminal justice system."
(KMcA)
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As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
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As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
09 April 2009
Other News In Brief
Alliance Formed By Independents Independents have banded together to form a new alliance to run in the local and European elections. Up to 40 people so far have signed up to the "People Before Profit" alliance, which says the Government has completely failed the people, particularly in this week's Budget.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Formed By Independents Independents have banded together to form a new alliance to run in the local and European elections. Up to 40 people so far have signed up to the "People Before Profit" alliance, which says the Government has completely failed the people, particularly in this week's Budget.
19 February 2008
Victims Helpline Receives More Calls
Calls to the Crime Victims Helpline increased by 35% last year, the latest figures have revealed. The helpline said that nearly 2,000 people contacted the helpline last year. Victims of physical crimes were the most common callers to the service, while the helpline also reported an increase in the number of people contacting them via email.
Victims Helpline Receives More Calls
Calls to the Crime Victims Helpline increased by 35% last year, the latest figures have revealed. The helpline said that nearly 2,000 people contacted the helpline last year. Victims of physical crimes were the most common callers to the service, while the helpline also reported an increase in the number of people contacting them via email.
28 July 2011
Encouraging Trend In Crime Figures Welcomed
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) today published the recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of 2011. Speaking on publication, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter, welcomed the decreases in all of the 14 crime groups, compared with the same quarter in 2010.
Encouraging Trend In Crime Figures Welcomed
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) today published the recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of 2011. Speaking on publication, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter, welcomed the decreases in all of the 14 crime groups, compared with the same quarter in 2010.
19 June 2008
Daíl 'In Suspense' Amid Angry Scenes
A row over the absence of the Justice Minister saw the Daíl almost closed for the day as tempers raged between TDs. Fine Gael claimed Justice Minister Dermot Ahern's failure to attend the Daíl to renew the Offences Against the State Act was an insult to the House.
Daíl 'In Suspense' Amid Angry Scenes
A row over the absence of the Justice Minister saw the Daíl almost closed for the day as tempers raged between TDs. Fine Gael claimed Justice Minister Dermot Ahern's failure to attend the Daíl to renew the Offences Against the State Act was an insult to the House.
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Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have dry day with some good spells of sunshine, some cloud bubbling up this morning. Warm in the southwest but onshore breezes keeping coastal districts somewhat cooler. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Dry this evening with some late sunshine. The rest of the night will be dry and rather cool with mostly clear skies and the odd mist or fog patch. Minimum temperature 5 °C.