Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 10, to delete lines 9 to 11 and substitute the following:"(a) he or she may specify in his or her request whether the information is to be provided orally or in writing, including by electronic means, and

(b) he or she shall be provided with such information—

(i) as soon as practicable, and

(ii) in so far as is practicable, in the manner specified in his or her request."

Amendment No. 7 allows a victim to specify the means by which information should be provided to him or her and requires that the information, in so far as is practicable, be provided in the manner specified. The amendment is being introduced to address the concern raised by Deputies on Committee Stage that it would be for the Garda or GSOC to determine the manner in which information is provided to a victim. It is sufficient to address the concerns raised by the Deputies opposite without imposing any obligations on the authorities that might be open to misinterpretation or that might, in the circumstances, not be practical. The amendment meets the concerns of the Deputies. I will be happy to hear Deputy Daly on it, particularly in respect of the difference between amendments Nos. 7 and 8.

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