asked the Ministert for Justice in view of the recommendations contained in the opinion prepared by the European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs and Citizens' Rights on the report on violence against women being prepared by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights, whether he will: (1) consider sexual violence against women as an offence in respect of which criminal proceedings can be brought not only by the injured party but also by the State; (2) allow certain women's associations to institute an ancillary civil action in proceedings brought on a charge of sexual violence against women for the protection of human dignity; (3) make more women gardaí available for women to contact; (4) provide more Garda officers with adequate training vis-à-vis offences against women with a view to bringing about a change in attitude; and (5) foster co-operation between welfare bodies, women's movements and the Garda.
Written Answers. - Violence Against Women Report.
Limerick East): It would not be appropriate for me to comment on what at this stage is an opinion of one committee of the European Parliament on a report being prepared by another committee of that Parliament. If and when the matter forms the basis of a Community proposal it will be considered in accordance with normal procedures. I would point out that acts of sexual violence against women are, of course, prosecuted under the criminal law.
The Garda authorities have informed me that it is the practice, as far as possible, to assign ban-ghardaí to the investigation of serious crimes against women and that ban-ghardaí are available in all Garda divisions to deal with such offences. An extra 38 ban-ghardaí have been recruited in the current year and it is proposed to appoint more ban-ghardaí early in 1986. The authorities have also informed me that the particular needs of women who are victims of sexual offences are being given special emphasis in training courses and that the Garda maintain close contact with welfare groups and women's organisations.