Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

It was my intention to formally invite the Minister to make an official comment on recent matters with particular reference to the very trenchant contribution of Mr. Justice Paul Carney and a further contribution of some gravity to the debate by Ms Justice Fidelma Macken, where she spoke in terms of the possibility of warning a victim and went so far as to suggest that perhaps penalties might be imposed on certain victims in certain circumstances. I would have thought it timely for the Minister to respond but I understand he has declined the invitation to make a statement. Does the Minister acknowledge the right of a victim to make a statement? Does he intend to give greater rights to victims of crime by way of access to information and by granting them an entitlement to speak before sentencing? Will he indicate what type of examination is under way within his Department, having regard to the fact that he would rather not comment on the matter?

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