Vol. 528 No. 1
361 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes he proposes in our legal system in order to increase confidence for victims of rape to take prosecutions against the perpetrators of this crime; if he will ensure that all possible assistance is given to a victim to empower that victim to avail of the full powers of the law to bring such perpetrators to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/00]
The Sex Offenders Bill, 2000, at present before this House, which introduces radical new measures to deal with those who commit sexual offences, also introduces for the first time in our law, separate legal representation for complainants in rape and other serious sexual assault cases during applications to adduce evidence or cross-examine on the complainant's past sexual history. This measure shows the determination of this Government to do all it can to encourage the victims of these crimes to report, and participate in the prosecution of, those responsible.
The Sex Offenders Bill arose primarily from an analysis of the views received on the chapter of the discussion paper on the law on sexual offences which dealt with a sex offenders' register and post-release supervision. When that Bill is enacted the remaining chapters of the discussion paper will be examined in the light of an analysis of the views received on them. Amongst the wide range of issues addressed in the discussion paper was the position of the complainant in the criminal trial process. Chapter 5 of the paper sets out the measures already introduced over recent years in order to improve that position. The question of whether there is a need for any further legislative or other measures will form part of the forthcoming examination.
