Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

This amends the provision which sets out the circumstances where the family can speak of the impact on the family in cases where the victim has died as a result of the offence. The amended text takes account of instances where the victim has died either as an immediate result of the offence or where the death occurs at some remove in time from the attack.

The family may, in these cases, speak not only about the impact of the offence on the family but in addition speak of the impact on the deceased in the period between the offence taking place and his or her death. I indicated on Committee Stage that I would respond to concerns expressed on this issue. Amendment No. 3 fully deals with this issue and amendment No. 4 is not now necessary.