Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
640. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will initiate a comprehensive independent review of our approach to support for victims of sexual assault to include considering reforming the methods of conducting legal cases, increasing education on consensual sexual conduct and providing victims a more supportive environment when they do report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24062/21]
View answer642. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she is satisfied with the legal and social supports in place for victims of sexual assault; if she will initiate a comprehensive independent review of the approach taken in respect of support for victims of sexual assault which will include consideration of reforming the methods of conducting cases, increasing education on consensual sexual conduct and providing victims with a more positive environment when they do report assaults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24077/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 642 together.
Protecting and supporting victims of sexual crime throughout their engagement with the criminal justice system is a priority for me and this Government. Goal 3 of Justice Plan 2021 commits to ‘Strengthening community safety, reduce reoffending, support victims and combat domestic sexual and gender based violence’.
Last August my Department published the 'Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences', otherwise known as the O’Malley Review. This is a comprehensive examination of the entire criminal justice process around sexual offences. It examined all aspects of engagement with the justice system by victims and other vulnerable witnesses - from the very initial reporting of an offence through to the end of any court proceedings.
‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’, which is a detailed action plan for delivering on all 52 of the O’Malley recommendations, was published by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee shortly after receiving the report of the O’Malley Review. This plan is a detailed roadmap for the introduction of all of the recommendations contained in the O'Malley review which, when implemented, will create a victim centred approach that protects and supports vulnerable witnesses, during the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. Supporting A Victim's Journey is available at www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Supporting_a_Victims_Journey.
Among the recommendations being implemented under Supporting A Victim's Journey are:
- The development and rollout of training for all personnel a victim comes into contact with in the criminal justice system, including AGS, the DPP, the Legal Profession and the Judiciary
- The rollout of the Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSU) within An Garda Síochána so that specially trained officers are available nationwide to engage with and interview vulnerable victims. This rollout was completed before the end of last year. In addition, AGS have available to them 7 purpose built off-site interview suites for interviewing individuals who come within the ambit for their use, which includes cases involving sexual and / or violent offences
- A new Sexual Offences Unit in the DPP’s Office has been established and is expected to be fully operational later this year
- Legislation to provide for Preliminary Trial Hearings is well advanced and will improve efficiency in how trials are conducted. The introduction of Preliminary Trial Hearings will also allow for applications to question a victim about their past sexual history to be dealt with before the trial starts. Provision will also be made for the victim to have the same legal representation during the Preliminary Trial Hearing as they will have during the trial if they are to be questioned about their sexual history
- A public awareness campaign to help create a shared understanding of the meaning and importance of consent is being developed and will be lunched by the end of the year.
