Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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601. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for persons who suffer intimidation but are afraid to report incidents to the Garda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30654/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána are committed to maintaining a helpful and supportive relationship with victims of crime, including instances of intimidation. Gardaí aim to be courteous, helpful, respectful and professional and to respond to the needs of victims in a caring and sensitive manner.

An Garda Síochána have recently taken a range of measures which will improve the experience of people reporting crime. These include the establishment of 28 Garda Victim Service Offices in each Garda Division to provide advice, information and support to victims. The offices are staffed by dedicated, specially trained personnel who will keep victims informed of all significant developments in their case. In addition a new Garda National Protective Services Bureau has been established, led by a Chief Superintendent.

Gardaí engage closely with many community groups and fora as part of their commitment to community policing and this includes encouragement to help support people who may feel reluctant to report a crime. In addition, the Garda confidential line, 1800 666 111, provides a ready means of communicating information to the Gardaí anonymously.

My Department funds 50 organisations who provide support and assistance to victims of crime. These organisations are willing to assist victims who suffer intimidation and to encourage them to report any crime which has been committed against them to the Garda Síochána.

In July I published draft legislation – the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill – that will put victims at the heart of the Justice system. Under the Bill a victim of a crime will have a wide range of rights. These include provision for a victim to be accompanied by a person of their choice when making a complaint to a member of An Garda Síochána, unless the member taking the complaint reasonably believes that the presence of that person would hinder the taking of the complaint or could prejudice the investigation or the criminal proceedings or would not be in the best interests of the victim.

I am also progressing legislation in the area of domestic violence which will improve the protections available to victims. Amongst the measures in the draft legislation is the right to be accompanied to court by a family member or friend, the ability to give evidence by televisual link so as to reduce the risk of intimidation and a limit on those entitled to attend Court proceedings.