Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to improve communication between gardaí and victims of crime during criminal trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11866/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The new Victims Charter and Guide to the Criminal Justice System, which was launched in July 2010, provides a number of undertakings in relation to the interaction between members of An Garda Síochána and victims of crime.

In relation to criminal trials, the Gardaí undertake to provide certain information to victims, including:

whether the suspect is being held in custody or is on bail, and any conditions of the bail (such as an alleged offender staying away from a victim or a victim's house);

the time, date and location of the court hearing;

the prosecution process and, if a victim is likely to be called as a witness, the support available from voluntary organisations which support victims of crime;

when the law allows a victim to give evidence to the court about the crime's impact;

about court expenses; and

the final result of the criminal trial.

An Garda Síochána also appoints Family Liaison Officers to assist victims of certain serious crimes and to victims and families of victims who have been or are being subjected to emotional or psychological trauma relating to homicide, kidnapping, false imprisonment, hostage siege situations, road traffic fatalities, suicide and crimes where violence, or an immediate threat of violence, has been visited upon the family.

Family Liaison Officers are appointed to keep victims' families informed of the progress of investigations and to ensure that they are afforded appropriate and relevant emotional, psychological, informational and practical support. In cases of rape and other sexual offences, a member of the investigation team, approved by the District Officer (Superintendent), performs the functions of the Family Liaison Officer.

At the launch of the Victims Charter, particular emphasis was placed on the further development of existing monitoring systems of services to victims, and the development of new systems where necessary, as one important means of ensuring that services to victims are improved.

I want to see the undertakings to victims in the Charter by the various criminal justice agencies, including An Garda Síochána, implemented in practice. This is good for the victims of crime and is ultimately good for the credibility of An Garda Síochána. In particular, victims who are also witnesses can have legitimate concerns about, and unfamiliarity with, the trial process. If these concerns are addressed, victims can give their full attention to the task of giving the best evidence they are able to give.