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

It would be a significant decision to create another position of ombudsman for victims. We are at a critical point in this country, and in Europe, on victims' rights and we are at a turning point with the implementation of the victims' directive. I will examine the proposal but it would require a Government decision because it would involve significant resources. It will be on the agenda in the medium term, if not in the immediate future, because these are significant issues. The victims' directive means there needs to be a sea change in the attitudes to victims across the criminal justice system. I will examine it but I cannot guarantee that I will be able to come back on it by Report Stage. I will ask the Department to examine the implications and the submissions made by the human rights body and others. I will also see if we can give some reassurance on the training issue. It may not involve a statutory provision. We are trying to ensure that victims are heard, their rights are guaranteed, their needs are identified and there are solutions.