The family of the late Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin have said they are ’emotional and excited’ to gain a victory in their campaign for change during a difficult week.
This week marks the two year anniversary of Danielle’s death in India. The 28-year-old tourist was visiting Goa when she was attacked and murdered. Her body was found on 14th March 2017 and a local man, Vikat Bhagat, stands trial accused of murder and rape.
Danielle’s mother Andrea Brannigan has recently been battling for changes to the Irish Victim’s Charter. After her own devastating ordeal, she discovered a lack of support for families when their loved ones die abroad.
Ms Brannigan met with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last September to discuss the need for an amendment to the Victim’s Charter to include Irish victims of crime abroad. It was agreed that the proposal would be framed as ‘Danielle’s amendment’ in memory of the late Donegal woman.
Six months on, the family have received an update from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirming that progress is being made on the amendment, which is understood to be in its final stages.
Danielle’s family has warmly welcomed the update in a statement online today: “Although this week is such a tough one for our family and Danielle’s friends we have some incredible news that we know would make Danielle so happy.
“Danielle said with every bad thing that occurs something good will come out of it. For us, so far, it has been creating a change in the already existing laws in Ireland so that hopefully no one will have to struggle for help in Ireland and that if you die abroad there is more support given by our Irish Government.
“The update we have gotten today that has gotten us so emotional and excited to see the outcome is: ‘The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have submitted a proposal to the Department of Justice and Equality with regard to amending the Victims Charter. The Department of Justice have agreed to this and the amendment will be called “Danielle’s amendment”. We understand that the process of amending the charter is its final stages.”
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