asked the Minister for Justice whether there has been an increase in crimes of a sexual nature in recent years; and the steps he proposes to take to cope with the problem.
16.
Written Answers - Sexual Crimes.
12.
asked the Minister for Justice if he has considered the Report of the Law Reform Commission on reform of the rape laws, published on 3 May 1988; if it is intended to amend existing legislation to take account of the Commission's recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 16 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the figures recorded for sexual offences during 1985 and 1986 and the provisional figures for 1987 are as follows: 1985, 339; 1986, 303 (-10.6 per cent); 1987, 348 (+14.8 per cent).
The Garda authorities inform me that all reported incidents of crimes of a sexual nature are fully investigated and that prosecutions ensue in all cases where they are warranted.
The Law Reform Commission have recently published their Report on Rape and Allied Offences which recommends a number of changes in the existing law. This report is now under urgent consideration in my Department with a view to preparing amending legislation.