Frances Fitzgerald
Question:176 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of rape which have been prosecuted in the courts in each of the years from 1995 to 1999. [10538/99]
Written Answers. - Sexual Offences.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:177 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of rape reported to the gardaí in each of the years from 1995 to 1999; the number prosecuted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10539/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
Crime statistics and information on the number of cases of rape of females reported and the number of cases in which prosecutions were commenced are published in the annual reports of An Garda Síochána, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The most recently published report is in respect of 1997.
While the statistics for 1998 have not yet been published, provisional statistics for that year indicate that 292 cases were reported or known by the Garda, of which 108 resulted in criminal proceedings being commenced. Comparable statistics for the current year are not yet available.
The figures for 1998 are provisional and subject to change as Garda investigations progress. The annual report of an Garda Síochána will contain the final figures in respect of 1998 when it is published later in the year.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:178 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there is a higher number of adjournments in cases of rape and sexual assaults than in other crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10540/99]
Statistical information is not currently maintained which would indicate the average number of adjournments in criminal cases or suggest that there is a higher number of adjournments in cases of rape and sexual assault than in cases involving other crimes. The new IT system which is being introduced in the courts will enable the compilation of more detailed and relevant statistics on the type of business dealt with by the courts, including information on adjournments and deviations from the norm.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:179 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to introduce new legislation to deal with the crimes of rape and sexual assault. [10541/99]
The majority of submissions received in response to the discussion paper on the law on sexual offences published by my Department last year dealt with issues surrounding the establishment of a sex offenders register. That is why in February last I sought and obtained Government approval for the prep aration of legislative proposals for the introduction of such a register. This legislation will also deal with the issue of post-release supervision of sex offenders and separate legal representation in certain limited circumstances for complainants in rape and sexual assault cases. Two additional matters which I am examining for possible inclusion in the Bill are, first, the feasibility of a new civil court order against a sex offender whose behaviour in the community gives reasonable cause for concern that the order is necessary to protect the public from serious harm and, second, the possible creation of a new offence in connection with child sex offenders who seek employment, paid or unpaid, involving unsupervised access to children.
Preparation of the Bill is receiving a high priority in my Department. Once that Bill is finalised, consideration will be given to the question of what legislative proposals, if any, should ensue from the other issues, including issues relating to the crimes of rape and sexual assault raised in the discussion paper.