PANJIM: As the murder trial of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin commenced earlier this year, the government in her country has proposed naming an amendment to the Victims Charter in her name.
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar has communicated to the bereaved family of the young lady that the Justice & Equality Minister Charlie Flanagan has been asked to invoke changes to the law on the victims of crime abroad. Danielle’s mother Andrea Brannigan had recommended changes to the law as the family was disappointed over bereavement counseling in their country.
“I know that you are dissatisfied with the level of bereavement counseling that has been available to you and your family here in Ireland, and had some helpful suggestions on how supports such as bereavement counseling and family liaison services could be improved upon. I have asked the Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan to fully examine your recommendations on amending the Victim’s Charter to include victims of crime abroad. I have requested him to update me on this as soon as possible and suggested that any change could be framed as “Danielle’s amendment” in her memory,” Varadkar wrote to Brannigan. A copy of this communication is in exclusive possession of Herald.
Ireland Taoiseach’s communiqué came following a meeting with Brannigan along with Danielle’s sister Joeleen.
In an official communiqué with Flanagan, Varadkar said the changes to the law are warranted. “I understand that you are planning to update the charter in light of changes to the law including the new EU directive on the victims of crime. As part of this, I would be grateful if you could give consideration to including a section on Irish citizens who are victims of crime overseas and their family. Having heard about their experience, I think it is warranted,” he said.
The Irish government has also directed Ambassador Brian McElduff that the Embassy offer the family practical assistance in India, if they decide to travel. Going out of their way to help the family, the PM has also directed dispatching an Irish Consul to Goa before the year-end to meet the local authorities regarding the case and to also attend the court hearing.
The government-appointed case officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Noreen O’Sullivan, will update the family on the first visit to Goa.
Ireland’s first resident Consul General in Mumbai Gerry Kelly will be appointed with the responsibility for Goa. “While the Indian authorities work formally with the British authorities in relation to Danielle’s murder, Irish officials will continue to work closely with both the British and Indian sides in relation to the case,” Varadkar said in the letter issued by his office.
Brannigan believes the proposed amendment will help other families facing similar situation in their country. “We are hopeful that our Taoiseach will keep his promise so we can finally say our government has helped us. We are glad he has agreed to help us so we hope he actually does. We hope that Danielle’s amendment may be passed so that no family who has had a loved one killed abroad will ever have to feel like we have or be treated the way we have,” she said in a conversation with Herald from Ireland.
