Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Deputy can take it for granted that I will make it a priority. He may be aware that I published the Victims' Rights Bill 2002, which the then Fianna Fáil Government voted down. When I published an updated version of the Bill in 2008 to take account of legal developments in the intervening period, the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern, went to war with it on the basis that it reflected successful provisions that were already in existence in New Zealand, even though I had previously briefed him that it did reflect some provisions that were already successfully operating in New Zealand.

I have for many years been committed to the enactment of victims' rights legislation. The Department had begun work on this issue when the European Union proposal was published. We are waiting to see how that proposal develops. It is likely to be discussed at a meeting of European Ministers for Justice, if not in June then certainly next September, as progress is made. It is not yet clear whether domestic legislation will be needed if it is enacted across Europe or if it will simply be directly applicable. It may be the case that we will want domestic add-ons that Europe does not require but which would be to the benefit of victims. That is an issue we will address if need be. It will be a priority during the Irish Presidency.

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