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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Feb 1989

Vol. 387 No. 5

Written Answers. - Evidence by Video.

52.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans or proposals for allowing juveniles or victims of indecent assault, sexual assault or rape to give evidence by video in courts here in Ireland, in order to enable the victims of these assaults and crimes to be saved the emotional trauma of having to appear in court to give evidence; if his Department have studied the results of the use of video camera equipment in cases which have taken place in Britain in Chelmsford Crown Court and in Liverpool Crown Court; his views on this particular proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Law Reform Commission are at present examining the law on child sexual abuse and expect to be in a position to publish a consultation paper shortly. I understand that the giving of evidence by means of closed circuit television or video equipment is being looked at by the commission in the context of their examination.

Any recommendation the commission may make for a change in the law in this area will be considered by me following the publication of the commission's report. In that connection I will take into consideration the question of the arrangements for evidence being given by all victims of sexual assault.

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