Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the main functions of the new Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime; the budget and staffing arrangement for the new commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10774/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The new Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime has as its terms of reference to: (a) devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future; and (b) disburse funding for victim support measures.

The commission's term of office will be for three years and its members are: Mr. Jim Mc Hugh, retired Assistant Commissioner, the Gárda Síochána — chairman; Ms Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Mr. Sean Lowry, former head of the probation and welfare service; Mr. Michael Whelan, Gemini Consulting; and Ms Marian Finucane, broadcaster.

The commission's remit includes the examination of all aspects of the provision of services for victims of crime. These services are currently set out in the Victims' Charter, published in 1999, and the commission will undertake a review of the charter. The commission will also have regard in the course of its work to the EU framework decision on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings (2001), and other international advances in relation to provision of services for victims of crime.

In addition, the commission will supervise the disbursement of funds to community and other voluntary groups providing victim services, with a particular emphasis on the funding of activities on the ground that provide direct supports for victims of crime. An applications process has been initiated in respect of this funding, and almost 100 expressions of interest have been received after a public advertisement in March.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will provide administrative support for the commission. Its budget will be of the order of €0.75 million in 2005.