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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rape Victims Legal Support Funding.

Liam Kavanagh

Question:

71 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Justice if, in the light of his recent announcement that victims of rape are to be granted legal support at the time of the assailants trial and having regard to the restrictive service available under the civil legal aid scheme, he will outline the extra funding which is to be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

77 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice the funding being provided by him in 1991 for the implementation of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 77 together.

Although this was not a provision in the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, I announced during the debate that the civil legal aid scheme would be extended to allow complainants in rape cases to consult a legal aid solicitor. I am considering the provision of additional staff to enable the Legal Aid Board to deal with this work. The cost can be met from the board's increased grant-in-aid for 1991. In connection with the provision in the Act for the holding in the Central Criminal Court of trials for rape offences and aggravated sexual assault, I stated during the debate on the Bill that I would keep the position about the workload of the High Court under review. I have been in contact with the President of the High Court on this aspect and if extra resources are needed, they will be provided.

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