Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 4

Written Answers. - Child Sexual Abuse.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

83 Ms O'Donnell asked the asked the Taoiseach, in view of his reply to a parliamentary question on 17 May 1995, regarding the 279 sexual offences files which were forwarded to the Office of the DPP in the period 1 January 1995, to 27 April 1995, the number of those sexual offences files which related to allegations of sexual offences against children; the number in which a decision to initiate a prosecution was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10990/95]

The Taoiseach

I have been advised by the Director of Public Prosecutions that of the total of 279 sexual offence files received in the period 1 January-27 April, 1995, 142 concerned alleged sexual offences against children, that is persons under 15 years of age.

In 98 of those files a final decision has been taken. That decision has been, in 33 files, to prosecute and 65 files not to prosecute. Thus in 44 files no final decision as to whether there should, or should not, be a prosecution was reached by 17 May 1995, the date of the original parliamentary question.

By 12 June, a decision had been taken in 19 of the 44 files in question. That decision, in seven of those files, had been to prosecute. Thus in 12 of the files, the decision has been not to prosecute.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

84 Ms O'Donnell asked the Taoiseach the number of prosecutions which have been initiated in each of the last three years in respect of allegations of child sexual abuse involving children under seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/95]

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

85 Ms O'Donnell asked the Taoiseach the number of files alleging sexual abuse of children which were processed by the Office of the DPP in each of the last three years; the percentage which resulted in prosecutions and convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/95]

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.

The statistics requested by the Deputy are being compiled and I will forward them to her as soon as they are available.