Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It is accepted by most people and across all party lines that the level of rights given to victims within the Irish criminal justice system is very limited. While we saw developments in recent years with victim impact statements, which are welcome, victims are not given full information as cases progress through the courts and regularly feel left out of the loop when it comes to the progress of those cases.

Last evening, the Irish Prison Service stated it does not have the legal power to inform victims about the imminent release of a prisoner from the Irish prison system. This issue also arose approximately one month ago when Mrs. Nora Lynch, that very articulate woman, stated victims need to know when someone receives a temporary release or is being released following the conclusion of his or her sentence.

If we do not have the legislative basis to inform victims of this situation, will the Government consider providing for it in law? It is a significant issue which arose today and over the weekend in the case of an appalling series of child abuse cases from the past 20 or 30 years. This matter is raised regularly and not only with regard to the issue in the public domain at present. Will the Government implement a straightforward change to allow the Irish Prison Service or members of the Garda Síochána to inform victims when an imminent release from prison will occur?

I was not privileged to be in Croke Park last Saturday, unlike, I suspect, many Members of the House. It is worth putting on the record——