Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister could respond to a point. I wish to acknowledge the work of the Minister, the former Minister for Justice and Equality and the officials in the Department for taking on board much of the discussion on Committee Stage, even before we got here today. It is good when we are arguing over an "and" or an "or". That is always useful because it shows we have scrutinised the Bill.

Having said that, I am keen to make one point about the amendments that were ruled out of order and that the Government did not take on board on Committee Stage. These related to the urgent need for the establishment of a victims ombudsman. On Committee Stage Deputy O'Brien in particular had urged that the Government might bring in some of our amendments. Unfortunately, the Government did not do so.

My only point is that the recital in the victims directive makes the point about the need for a sole point of access or one-stop-shop. There is an urgent requirement for a victims ombudsman. As was said before, many of the groups that deal with victims have engaged in numerous discussions with existing ombudsman offices. They could see a victims ombudsman being incorporated under one of the existing offices, for example, the Ombudsman for Children or the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. It need not cost a great deal of money. A stand-alone victims ombudsman would be better. I strongly urge the Minister to return to this option.

I wish to acknowledge the excellent work and input from the voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations that deal with victims at the coal-face all the time. Their input has been invaluable. In particular, I acknowledge the members of the Victims' Rights Alliance who addressed the committee and informed us so well. They have played a positive role in bringing this Bill to fruition. Maria McDonald from the Victims' Rights Alliance deserves our special thanks and recognition.

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