Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [36104/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that, following discussions by officials with possible providers of counselling services, the legal advisor to the Victims Committee has been consulted to establish the level of interest among the bereaved families in taking up such services at this juncture. Appropriate arrangements to provide services will be made for those among the bereaved families who feel this would be of benefit.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing concerns expressed by victims of crime regarding the way in which cases are dealt with and prosecuted; the timeframe whereby actual enacted legislation redressing the rights of victims will become law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36133/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the concerns of victims of crime and addressing those concerns is one of my priority objectives. Very shortly after my appointment to this post I established a dedicated Victims of Crime Office within my Department with a view to better coordination and delivery of services to victims. The Office works closely with groups representing victims of crime.

The establishment of the Office was part of my Justice for Victims initiative. The Initiative also includes making important legislative changes; those changes are contained in the Criminal Procedure Bill 2009. That Bill was presented to the Seanad on 21 May 2009 and completed Second Stage on 10 June 2009. I expect that Committee Stage will be scheduled soon. It is my aim to have the Bill enacted before the end of the year. The Bill updates and expands the arrangements for victim impact statements and provides for three sets of circumstances where acquitted persons may be re-tried, including situations where new and compelling evidence emerges. The Bill will also contain provisions that will protect the good name of victims who have died or are seriously incapacitated from attacks on their character by the accused.

The Deputy will be aware that I, as Minister, have no function in relation to the prosecution of offences, that is the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions who is independent in the discharge of his functions.