Ireland Minister Announces €4.3M for Victim Support Groups

Press release

Minister Jim O’Callaghan announces €4.3 million for organisations supporting victims and survivors of crime

• From: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
• Published on: 21 April 2026
• Last updated on: 21 April 2026

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has announced funding of more than €4.3 million for organisations supporting victims of crime.

€3.8 million will be allocated to 10 specialised victim support groups including:

• Victim Support at Court; AdVic; and Crime Victims Helpline;
• Ruhama; Support After Homicide; Missing in Ireland; and Tourist SOS;
• Immigrant Council of Ireland, Doras and Migrants Rights Centre Ireland. Making the announcement Minister O’Callaghan said:

“Reporting a crime can be a traumatic experience for victims and survivors so it is imperative those reporting must feel safe and empowered in the knowledge that they will be listened to with compassion, supported and treated with respect throughout.

“Funding is being allocated to partner organisations which provide invaluable emotional and practical assistance, information on victims’ rights, court accompaniment, specialised counselling, helplines, and accompaniment to Garda interviews for those who have experienced traumatic incidents.

“These organisations represent an established component of the State’s victim support infrastructure and obligations. This funding will help to ensure that specialist services are available to victims throughout the State when they need it most.”

A further €480,000 is being allocated to meet existing commitments under prior agreements for training, research and advocacy for victims of crime.

Minister O’Callaghan added:

“A key priority for government is to ensure that all victims and survivors can access practical supports, including people in very vulnerable situations and those in minority communities. The Victims of Crime Fund is central to achieving this vital access as it supports a defined cohort of organisations delivering specialist services across the State."

ENDS…///

Notes to editor

Each year, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration provides funding to support organisations specifically helping victims of crime through the Victims of Crime Fund. Previously, organisations assisting victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence received funding under this Fund. These organisations are now funded through Cuan, the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence statutory agency which was established in January 2024.

A multi annual approach was introduced in 2024 which covers the period 2025 to 2027 – this was agreed upon to assist the organisations in their strategic and staffing planning.

Applicant organisations must demonstrate appropriate governance and financial controls, including management structures and capacity to meet monitoring and reporting requirements.

Jim O'Callaghan Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration