Victims of crime could soon be able to track the progress of the Garda investigation using an online service.

The Minister for Justice gave the idea her initial, tacit support and told the Seanad she plans to ask the acting Garda Commissioner if she will look into a Track My Crime service similar to one already used in the UK.

By using a unique reference number, victims of crime in five police districts across the UK can gain access to a secure website called trackmycrime. The website allows victims to keep an eye on the progress of an investigation from the moment a crime is reported to when perpetrators are brought to justice.

Addressing the Seanad earlier, Independent Senator Ronan Mullen called for a similar system to be set up here so victims never feel left in the dark:

“Victims of crime often feel left out in the cold when it comes to the Garda investigation of their cases,” Senator Mullen said.

“Crime victims want to know if someone has been arrested for vandalising their car or whether Gardaí have arrested people for breaking into houses locally.

“Victims can become frustrated as they struggle to contact a particular investigating Garda who may be off-duty or on patrol.

“However, a dedicated website would act as a one-stop-shop information source. This would be a great tool for victims and could easily be updated by the investigating Garda.”

The Minister for Justice said she thinks the idea has merit and is planning to ask the acting Garda Commissioner to look into it.

But, she warns, if such a system is introduced, she doesn't want it to replace the more traditional interactions between Garda and victim.

“I would hope that if any such system is introduced it would compliment rather than replace the personal contact, which is implicit in the new model which the gardai are developing, of the garda victim liaison officers system,” Minister Fitzgerald said.