Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 564: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all statements given to the Garda regarding assault are thoroughly investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24070/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that complaints made to the Garda Síochána in respect of allegations of the kind referred to by the Deputy are thoroughly investigated by it in order to establish the facts of the complaint and to gather evidence in order to determine if a prosecution is warranted for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Provisions for victims are made by a number of Government agencies as well as non-governmental organisations. The rights and entitlements of victims of crime in Ireland are set out in the victims charter, published by my Department in 1999, following extensive consultations with all relevant agencies including the courts, the Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, the probation and welfare service and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The charter makes specific provision for particularly vulnerable victims, such as victims of sexual offences and domestic violence, elderly victims, victims with disabilities and children. It also contains specific provisions in respect of keeping victims informed of the outcome of their complaints and the progress and outcome of any criminal proceedings.

The Garda charter for victims of crime, which is included in the victims charter, sets out what a victim can expect from the Garda Síochána. Victims who are not satisfied with the investigation of their case or have inquiries, suggestions or feedback on any aspect of treatment of the victims of crime by any member of the Garda Síochána may contact the victim liaison officer, Community Relations Section, Harcourt Square, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, telephone 01 6663802, or their local superintendent.