Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is speaking about something that is extremely relevant, which is the need to have an increased focus on the victims of crime. I did not say this when I spoke earlier. Out of the Dormant Accounts Fund, we are allocating an extra €233,000 to victims of crime and the various helpline services. That is something we have been able to do with the dormant accounts.

I think the Deputy is right and I see it as a budget area that will increase, given the greater focus on victims of crime. The EU victims directive, which we must implement by December, makes it clear that there is an expectation that member states will increase the funding for victims of crime. For example, gardaí and anybody working directly with victims of crime in the police service will be under an obligation to give more information to victims. Member states will be under an obligation to implement a whole series of issues outlined in the directive. I have spoken to the Minister in the North, Mr. David Ford, MLA, who is working very hard on implementing that EU victims directive, including having a charter for victims of crime. We will see more initiatives in this area.

I welcome that the Garda Commissioner has also announced the placement of two officers in each divisional area with particular responsibility for ensuring that the service to victims is more proactive than it has been in the past. She is extremely conscious of the matter and places a very high priority on it.

The Deputy is right that there is a need for ongoing focus on the area in terms of increased funding and a better response to victims, and with regard to the Government's implementation of the EU victims directive.