Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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646. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she is taking or plans to take to ensure the State's compliance with the EU victims directive for victims of sexual violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23134/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I believe that the provisions of the Victims of Crime Directive will strengthen support to victims, including those who have suffered sexual violence. The Directive, which covers all victims of crime, is due to be implemented by the Member States by the 16th of November 2015. The Directive provides that the victim should receive appropriate information about their case, have access to victim support services and be individually assessed to identify specific protection needs and to be heard. A further provision in the Directive states that the victim may be accompanied by a person of their choice for interviews with police, unless a reasoned decision has been made to the contrary. It is my intention to have legislation enacted to comply with the Directive by November, 2015, the deadline contained in the Directive.