Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 760: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that victims of crime or their guardians are kept sufficiently up to date by gardaí on the progress of investigations and criminal proceedings; and if he will take steps to ensure that greater and more prompt contact is maintained throughout the process. [29540/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as provided for in the Guidelines for Prosecutors published by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in October, 2007, An Garda Síochána has made a number of commitments to the victims of crime.

These include ensuring that the victim is kept informed about the progress of the investigation, including whether a suspect is charged or cautioned; to tell the victim whether the accused is in custody or on bail and the conditions attached to the bail; to inform the victim of the time, date and location of the court hearing of the charges against the accused; to explain the prosecution process involved and, if the victim is likely to be called as a witness, to provide information as to the help available for victims attending court; to explain the circumstances where a judge may ask for a Victim Impact Statement and arrange for its completion; to inform the victim of the final outcome of the trial and, in cases involving serious trauma to a victim or family, to inform the victim of the imminent release of the offender, when An Garda Síochána has been notified of such a release.

The Garda Charter for Victims of Crime has been updated, to take into account victim support expectations and developments in victim support services and networks.

The revised Charter sets out the services and service delivery standards which An Garda Síochána is committed to delivering to victims of crime and includes the automatic provision of information available regarding the National Crime Victims' helpline and other services available locally for victims of crime.

In cases where serious criminal incidents have occurred, including incidents of homicide, kidnapping / false imprisonment, hostage / siege situations, incidents involving violence or immediate threat of violence to the person, suicide, or fatal road traffic collisions, the District Officer appoints a Family Liaison Officer to liaise with the victim and the family and to keep them informed of progress in the ongoing investigation and to ensure that they are afforded appropriate and practical support.

I am further informed that senior Garda management is satisfied that adequate provisions are in place to ensure that victims of crime are advised of developments in ongoing investigations.