Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this issue. Too often when the topic of crime and justice is discussed, the focus is on the perpetrator and the crime and the pain and trauma of victims and their families is an afterthought. The European Parliament sought to remedy this imbalance by adopting the victims' rights directive in 2012, which laid out a set of rights and entitlements for victims of crime in EU member states. They include the right to information, the right to support and the right to participate in criminal proceedings. The directive also granted recognition to family members of victims of crime. The incorporation of the directive into Irish law ensured Ireland remained on an equal footing with our EU counterparts with respect to victims' rights.

Despite the great strides the directive made in the area of victims' rights, the rapid evolution of technology means it now needs an update. I note the evaluation of the victims' rights directive found significant shortcomings in addressing the needs of victims of online crime. It recommended member states ensure there is a state body tasked with ensuring adequate victim support organisations exist. Considering the recommendation of the directive, will the Government heed the call of the Victims' Rights Alliance and seek to create an ombudsman for victims?

In my final year in college, I volunteered with the Crime Victims Helpline. From that experience, I gained an insight into the vast array of victims and the crimes that have been perpetrated against them. From that experience, I can honestly say that victims' voices matter and for too long these voices have been suppressed or denied.

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