Ms Fiona Murphy:

I can respond on that point. I have prosecuted and defended these types of cases. Certain court environments are better set up than others to look after the welfare of the victim. For example, the Criminal Courts of Justice building has a victim's suite. This allows a victim to have an area of privacy where they know they will not come anywhere near an accused person or any other witnesses in the case. The Director of Public Prosecutions has a system in place whereby all victims are met by prosecution counsel prior to trial. They are also met with victim support people from the Criminal Courts of Justice who can show them around the building. A considerable amount is being done to try to assist victims and make them feel more comfortable insofar as that can be done prior to court hearings. Obviously, anything that can assist a victim to feel more comfortable is worthy and should be done. It is not appropriate for someone in that environment to be re-traumatised, as Ms Kenny said. That is not right.