Vol. 497 No. 4
139 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the statistics on the incidents of rape cases reported and reaching the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/98]
I am very concerned with the increase in the number of reported rape cases especially as the trend for crime in general is going in a downward direction. In reply to an earlier question I gave details of some developments in this area.
As no doubt the House is aware I have no role in the prosecution of offences. It is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is independent in the discharge of his functions, to decide on whether or not prosecutions are taken in individual cases.
