merrion street

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality, has today announced annual funding allocations totalling €1.46 million for organisations for supporting victims of crime have been made.

Fifty five organisations will be funded in 2016, and of these seven organisations will receive funding for the first time.

The Minister stated: “I am working to put the rights and needs of the victim at the heart of the criminal justice system.”

“In Budget 2016 I secured a 21% increase in funding for services to victims of crime. This funding, which is administered by the Victims of Crime office in my Department, is allocated to organisation working with victims. Today I am announcing funding totalling €1.46 million in funding for these organisation.”

“Every single day these organisations provide vital and valuable information and support to victims of crime, including emotional support, court accompaniment, accompaniment to Garda interviews, accompaniment to sexual assault treatment units, counselling and referral to other services to victims of crime.”

“The staff and volunteers in these organisations are to be thanked for their tireless work in difficult conditions.”

The Minister added: “This funding will further assist the organisations concerned in implementing the terms of the EU Victims Directive in terms of providing information, advice and support to victims. Implementation The EU Victims Directive will further be supported by the new landmark Victims Rights Bill which I am bringing forward.”

The Minister concluded: “I am delighted that after many difficult years it is possible to provide additional support to these services and that there is the possibility of developing strategic services also. This will mean that victims of crime will be better supported in 2016.”