Fine Gael has urged the Government to support its new victims' rights legislation, which aims to give the victims of crime statutory rights.
The proposed legislation would ensure that victims are kept informed of progress in the investigation and prosecution of their cases, and would entitle them to representation when a convicted offender seeks parole and release.
The bill would encourage greater use of victim impact statements, while also giving judges the power to order the media not to report portions of such statements that go beyond the evidence presented in court.
The proposals were given a broad welcome by victims' groups represented at today's Fine Gael launch.
The party is planning to introduce the bill in the Dáil after Easter, and has urged the Government to accept it.
In a statement, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan pointed out that funding for victims groups has increased by 40% this year.
He added that he is expected to receive a report on supporting the victims of crime in the near future, and that the department is considering the issue of victim impact statements.
