Vol. 491 No. 2
6 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of reported rape cases in the context of the recently released crime figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11405/98]
22 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of reported rape cases in the context of the recently released crime figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11403/98]
27 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of reported rape cases in the context of the recently released crime figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11402/98]
42 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of reported rape cases in the context of the recently released crime figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11409/98]
66 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of reported rape cases in the context of the recently released crime figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11410/98]
72 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the number of reported rape cases in the context of the recently released crime figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11411/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 22, 27, 42, 66 and 72 together.
I am greatly concerned with the increase in the number of offences of rape reported to the Garda Síochána. This increase is all the more worrying when it is seen against the backdrop of a general decrease in crime. As I said in my reply to the House on a series of questions on 10 February 1998, while official Garda statistics have not yet been published for 1997, I understand there has been a significant increase in the number of reported rapes as compared to 1996.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he also shares my concern and that research which the Garda Research Unit is carrying out into the incidence of rape from 1994 to 1997 is continuing. I await their findings with great interest. One unfortunate aspect of the absence of basic data within the broad criminal justice system is that research is significantly less developed than in other areas, such as education and health. I intend that the research capacity of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will be developed in line with the changing role of the Department in which its work will be much more focused on policy and strategic issues than here-tofore. As part of that development my Department, in consultation with the Garda Síochána and others, is currently putting the finishing touches to proposals for a research project regarding the reporting of sexual offences. I regard that as being of considerable importance.
We do not require research findings to know that it is necessary to look beyond the law and order system if we are to address the problem of sexual violence against women, or indeed against anybody. Although the laws have been strengthened considerably over the years, it is clear they are not producing the level of deterrence which might have been anticipated. It is equally clear, therefore, that we need to look at wider societal issues, at influences, at attitudes, at the possible role of the education system and so on, if we are to tackle this problem effectively.
In my reply of 10 February I set out in some detail a number of developments of interest in this area. I do not propose to go over them again today in detail. However, it would be useful to give the Deputy an update, where appropriate, on a number of the developments.
First, The National Steering Committee on Violence against Women, which is chaired by the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Mary Wallace, is addressing the central recommendations of the task force report on violence against women. This committee brings together key groups and agencies, both from the public and non-governmental sectors, which have a role to play in this area. Over the coming weeks a number of regional co-ordinating committees will be launched throughout the country. By the end of May, it is intended that a regional co-ordinating committee will be established in each health board area. The function of each committee, in the first instance, will be to draw up an assessment of the existing services and needs in their region and then to develop a strategy for meeting these needs. The regional committees will allow for a co-ordinated partnership approach between the voluntary, community and public sectors to ensure that women subject to violence are presented with a realistic set of coherent options. It will also ensure that women are not put through the additional trauma of having to approach several different agencies to avail of services. With these new structures in place, I am confident we will have a major contribution to the development of an integrated response to women who become victims of violent crime.
Second, I can confirm to the House that the discussion paper on the law on sexual offences will be published before the end of this month. The paper covers a wide range of issues relevant to sexual offences. Its purpose is to stimulate the debate on the laws relating to sexual offences and to encourage interested groups and individuals to respond with their considered views.
Third, the House will be interested to know that my Department has recently finalised its response to a detailed and wide-ranging questionnaire on the legal process and victims of rape and has referred it on to the appointed research team. This is a research project which is being jointly undertaken by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and Trinity College under the EU Grotius Programme. It is a study which is reviewing the legal process and victims of rape in all EU member states. I believe the findings will be available in September.
The National Crime Forum discussed the subject of violence against women on a number of occasions and received presentations from a number of agencies working in the area. The forum is in the process of concluding its work. I look forward to receiving its report and considering what they have to say on this important issue in due course.
(Mayo): Will the Minister agree that it is one thing to talk tough but another to deal with victims in terms of what is being put forward as Government policy?
Is he aware, for example, of a recent horrific case in Kilrush, County Clare, described in newspapers as "Gang Sex Attackers Escape Jail Sentence", where a 17 year old girl was dragged across a street by four people calling themselves the "young bulls", stripped to the waist, lain upon by one of the people in question as she shouted for her life and integrity, and that the State by way of a plea for mitigation of the offence said the boys were "living up to their reputations and acting macho"? This was the term used by the Garda representative in court and is the Minister further aware there is a huge outcry over the trivialisation of such a serious offence?
I greatly condemn any trivialisation of an issue as serious as that outlined by the Deputy. I have made it clear there will be a discussion paper on sexual offences, which will be detailed, and submissions will be sought. Laws will be strengthened where needed.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
