Denis Foley
Question:13 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to establish a register of sexual offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15350/98]
Written Answers. - Sexual Offences.
Jack Wall
Question:14 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to introduce independent legal representation in court for victims; if so, the categories of victims which will have independent legal representation; the estimated cost of this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/98]
Denis Foley
Question:82 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has for the provision of separate legal representation for victims of rape and sexual abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15351/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14 and 82 together.
The specific question of separate legal representation in the course of trials is usually raised in the context of complainants in cases of rape and other sexual assaults. This issue, and the issues surrounding the introduction of a sex offenders or paedophile register, are addressed in the discussion paper on the law on sexual offences which I published on 26 May 1998.
The purpose of the discussion paper is to stimulate debate on the laws relating to sexual offences, including the specific issues raised in the Deputies' questions and to encourage interested groups and individuals to respond with their considered views on the wide range of issues dealt with in the paper. Those responses should be made to my Department before 28 August 1998 and will be taken fully into account in the framing of any new legislation which will ensue from the discussion paper.
Apart from the issue of separate legal representation, l am concerned to ensure that crime victims do receive the support they need in court cases and this general issue will be addressed in the context of the new charter on victims of crime which is currently being prepared in my Department.