Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Senator Alex White spoke about the need for an holistic approach. The reality is that this Bill is part of exactly such an approach. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 and the national action plan are equally important measures. "Holistic" does not mean providing all the necessary protection services in one Bill.

Senator Alex White also referred to victims' rights. It was never intended to deal comprehensively with victims' rights in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008. Rather, it was always the intention that they be included in the national action plan. My understanding is that this position was outlined clearly from the beginning. Work is under way on the national action plan and we are determined to ensure all the provisions and measures included therein are correct. Senior civil servants and representatives of groups with a particular interest in this area are working together to draw up those measures. This process will be given the utmost attention.

On the question of a charter of rights for victims, my understanding is that such a charter exists but is non-statutory. That charter is currently being revised.