There has been a broad welcome for measures contained in the Victims of Crime Bill.
The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald today published the heads of the bill.
It gives victims the right to access information about the status of their case as it goes through the legal system.
Victims must be informed if a case is being dropped. They will also be informed if a perpetrator has been released from jail, instead of them having to fill out a formal request
Joan Dean is a spokesperson for the Advic group, representing families of murder victims:
Maria McDonald, coordinator of the Victims' Rights Alliance, said, "too often we hear of stories where victims of crime do not receive the respect and support they deserve. For the first time in Irish law, this legislation will provide a comprehensive set of rights for victims of crime."
The new laws will increase the level of interaction between victims and the criminal justice system, giving them more information and help when their case is being handled.
Victims will also be able to question decisions of the DPP - and new staff are expected to be hired within the DPP to handle these requests.
The Bill is set to be be enacted ahead of the November deadline set by an EU directive on the issue.
