Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Crime Prevention

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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603. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if repeat offences have been linked to failure to adequately notify prior victims of the offenders; and if so, the number. [40203/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As I understand the Deputy's question, he is seeking information on repeat offences committed by an offender against a previous victim in circumstances where the victim may not have been notified of release. I am informed that statistics on any such occurrences are not retained by the Irish Prison Service.

As the Deputy may be aware, there is a process whereby the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Officer undertakes to notify registered victims of significant developments in the management of the perpetrator's sentence and this is set out in the Victims Charter. I understand that significant developments include the following: inter-prison transfers; Parole Board hearings and decisions arising out of this process; temporary releases and expected release dates. If victims opt to make their views known to the Prison Service, these views are always taken into account in sentence management decisions, such as granting temporary release. Information and contact details in relation to the Victim Liaison Service are available on the IPS website.

Further to this and arising from the provisions in the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service have in place an agreed protocol to support and inform collaboration between the Services where the victim may require an integrated response. This protocol underpins the engagement between the two Services.

Where a victims has opted to receive information about the sentence management of an offender, I understand that the prison-based service will update victims on developments/changes with prisoner status during the course of their custodial sentence. At the point of release, the victim is provided with details of the Victim Services Unit in the Probation Service and assisted in whatever way may be appropriate to link into that service. The Unit will provide a timely response to any queries or concerns that may arise for the victim during the course of the post- release supervision period.

I am acutely aware of the devastating and life-changing impact that crime can have on a victim and I am working to ensure that our criminal justice system works in an integrated compassionate way that supports them and adapts to their need. I am committed to implementing the changes recommended by the recent O’Malley review, which I have set out in 'Supporting A Victims Journey', a detailed time-bound action plan which will ensure we give full effect to the recommendations.

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