Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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176. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the support services, if any, available to victims of aggravated burglary and car theft in residential premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17713/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Supporting all victims of crime, which includes those affected by aggravated burglary and car theft, is a priority for me as Minister for Justice.

Under Budget 2025, €3,574,000 was allocated to promote and assist the development of support services to victims of crime. This funding enables the provision of services supporting victims at different stages of the criminal justice system. This includes the provision of emotional and practical support, information and advice on the rights of victims, court accompaniment services, specialised counselling services, helplines and accompaniment to Garda interviews for those who have experienced such traumatic incidents.

Coming forward to report a crime can be a traumatic experience for victims and I am determined to do everything in my power to ensure that the criminal justice system empowers victims to have the confidence to report an offence, knowing they will be supported, informed, and treated respectfully for the entirety of the difficult journey they have to face. Significant work has already been undertaken to improve victims’ experiences, including through the implementation of ‘Supporting a Victims Journey’; a detailed implementation plan to give effect to the recommendations made in the O'Malley Review, which was published in 2020.

Additionally, the 'Victims of Crime – Know Your Rights' campaign was launched in April of 2023 to inform victims of what to expect, what their legal rights are and the supports available at every step in the process when they engage with the justice system. The campaign directs people to the VictimsCharter.ie website, which sets out an individual's rights in an easily accessible manner and helps victims of crime to locate services and supports.