Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Equally, it makes it more definitive. On the framework decision, compliance with it does not necessitate legislation. One also has to take into account the fact that our legal system is not similar to the type of legal systems on mainland Europe.

While we have sympathy with the sentiments of these amendments and I would not want it thought that we would go against any of the suggestions in them, it is not appropriate to put them in the Bill as a statutory requirement for a number of reasons. I refer to the type of information which had to be given to a victim and made a point on amendment No. 2, which referred to treating the victim with courtesy and compassion and the victim's dignity and privacy. They are subjective criteria. What is or is not courtesy to the victim may be courtesy by the judge. He or she may feel they are being treated with courtesy. It could lead to endless legal disputes in that respect if it was put in place in legislation. It is far preferable to have the type of scheme we have, namely, a victims' charter, which is working well.