New funding means all Laois crime victims will get 'every assistance available' says TD

More funding for organisations working with victims of crime will ensure that anyone who suffers as a result of crime in Laois and Offaly will receive every assistance available to them, Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan has claimed. 

The Laois Offaly Government TD was speaking after €5.25m was announced for more than 65 organisations to work with victims of crime across Ireland.

The allocations range from €3,000 to €740,000. Dep Flanagan said he was particularly pleased that the following organisations are to receive funding.

• Laois Domestic Abuse Service is to receive €42,500
• Accessible Counselling Tullamore - €21,000
• Offaly Domestic Violence Support - €49,350 

“The work of organisations in my own constituency of Laois/Offaly , and all across the country that help victims of crime is outstanding. They provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, outreach work, court accompaniment and crime victim helplines.

“There is an increased budget of €5.8m allocated to the Department of Justice specifically for victims of crime in 2023, and the remaining funding will be made available later in the year once further service need assessments have been completed,” said the TD.

He said services provided by these organisations are extremely important, but increased costs and inflation have caused some difficulties.

"That is why this funding comes at a crucial time. Where organisations sought an increase on last year’s funding, they have been granted a 5pc cost-of-living increase, at a minimum.

“Developing a victim-centred criminal justice system which prioritises the needs and experience of the victim underpins our commitment to building stronger, safer communities and this funding is a significant element of that,” he said.

The Minister for Justice, Simon Harris, announced the funding which compares with an allocation of €4.6m in 2022 and €1.712m in 2019.

Under Budget 2023, the Department of Justice was also allocated €6.09 million for measures to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, including through awareness raising and campaigns and funding for perpetrator programmes.

The funding was also welcomed by Laois Offaly Minister of State Pippa Hackett. MORE BELOW  TABLE OF RECIPIENTS.

“Today's funding announcement of €5.25m for organisations supporting victims of crime sends two clear messages: First, our services on the ground in the Midlands are providing vital and effective services for victims of crime within high standard governance structures and second, this Government is fully committed to supporting a victim centred justice system... Organisations responded to a call for proposals and I am delighted to see that they have responded with proposals from court accompaniment to counselling.

"These organisations have the experience and expertise and I thank them for being so proactive and committed. While I have named those organisations working within the geographical area of Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, there are also organisations' successful in their funding application whose national remit will benefit those living in the Midlands. I urge any victim of crime to reach out - the supports are available and of high quality,” she said.

Last October, the Department said it invited applications for funding from registered charities, voluntary community groups, and other organisations which provide services – or plan to provide services – supporting victims in the criminal justice system.

Two motorists arrested overnight in Laois

Applicants included organisations that provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, outreach work, court accompaniment and crime victim helplines.

The Department said funding is given to organisations that meet the objectives and that can show they have the required management and compliance policies and procedures in place.

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The Department of Justice added that it currently funds a number of non-government organisations that provide supports for victims of crime on a multi-annual basis. It said these agreements aim to assist the organisations with their long-term planning and cash flow, and to ensure more effective and efficient use of funding. It's claimed that these organisations will see an increase in funding of 7.9pc in 2023