Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

The Minister might comment on the obligation to legislate on the EU framework decision. The Minister is suggesting that the amendments are too prescriptive. However, the first amendment is not very prescriptive. If that is the main objection the Minister has to these amendments, I do not see how that applies to amendment No. 4 which gives recognition to the victims of crime in terms of how they are to be treated. A victim has the right to be informed as fully as possible of his or her rights and the remedies available to him or her, his or her role in the criminal justice process and of the availability of health services and social services, in so far as the resources are available. That is not overly prescriptive but does enshrine the general principle in legislation, which could be linked to the victims' charter which changes from time to time. I accept amendment No. 5, which inserts the new section 7, is very detailed. It would not apply to amendment No. 4. Perhaps the Minister can address those issues.