The criminal justice system must become more sympathetic to the trauma felt by victims of crime and their families, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said today.
The Minister said his Criminal Procedure Bill will not erode the right to a fair trial or the presumption of innocence for suspects.
The new proposals, which are focused on providing balance in the courts system for victims of crime, have been approved by the Government and will be published in the Spring.
The draft laws draw on recommendations made in a report compiled by the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group, which was chaired by barrister, Gerard Hogan SC.
Mr Ahern believes public confidence in the criminal justice system is paramount and must be safeguarded above all else.
"I am very aware of the need to respect long established principles, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial and I will defend those principles at every opportunity," he said.
"However, confidence will be eroded if we do not respond to changes in society, in technology and to new patterns of crime.
"I am convinced that the system must be seen to be responsive to the needs of society generally but it must be especially aware of the trauma and distress of the victims of crime."
The new proposals will give families a statutory right to deliver impact statements on behalf of victims to courts before judges pass sentences.
The DPP can have cases re-tried following an acquittal if compelling new evidence emerges or if the trial judge makes an error on his understanding of the law.
The 'double jeopardy' rule will be rendered obsolete under the new Bill as cases can also be retried if evidence emerges that witnesses were intimidated or if they perjured themselves in court.
In addition, prosecution lawyers will be given advance notice of expert evidence which the defence proposes to introduce.
Mr Ahern said the Government is committed to broadening the participation of victims in the criminal process.
"This legislation will not only give them a voice through the use of victim impact statements, it will also provide for the vigorous pursuit of justice on behalf of victims.
"I am confident that these proposals will have the support of victims and of the Irish people".
Earlier this year, the Government announced other initiatives such as a Victims of Crime Office within the Department of Justice.
A Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, which distributes funding to groups working with crime victims, was revamped.
A Consultative Forum is currently being established to provide a platform where the views of victims and their representatives can be articulated. The first meeting is scheduled to take place next month.
PA