Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State makes a very good argument. The amendment to the Seanad amendment was proposed in consultation with people who work with victims. Those from the Victims Rights Alliance, who were to the forefront of this matter, read it in the context of the Article. They viewed the changes as meaning that, for people who would previously have been included in the net to get the special measures, their circumstances would not be taken into account by the court, and that fewer people would benefit from that protection. The Minister of State's reply indicates that, in fact, the interpretation is that more people would benefit. It is very difficult to argue against that if it is the best advice available. I will accept the bona fides of what the Minister of State has put forward.

In return, if the Leas-Chathaoirleach will indulge me, I will raise a slightly different point. The issue came up on Committee Stage that, contrary to the victims Directive, the Bill we are about to ratify does not cover all the prosecuting authorities. The Minister of State said he might return to that issue as it was too broad for this Bill. In respect of other bodies under whose remit a death might actually come, such as the Food Safety Authority and the Health and Safety Authority, the victims of such crimes as are prosecuted by these bodies are not entitled to the same information and protections that are provided for under this Bill. On Committee Stage, the Minister of State said he would examine the matter. Has there been any progress in that regard?

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