Skip to main content
Normal View

Office of Director of Public Prosecutions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (633)

Denis Naughten

Question:

633. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice the number of files sent by the gardaí to the DPP in each of the past five years for sexual offences; the number of applications in each year concerned in which the DPP decided to prosecute, not to prosecute and are on hand respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23005/22]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by the Garda authorities that decisions on prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions who, as the Deputy will be aware, is independent in the performance of her functions. I have no responsibility in relation to this matter.

I think it is important to note that I am continuing to drive forward the implementation of Supporting a Victim’s Journey so that if someone has been the victim of a crime they can come forward safe in the knowledge that the system will support them.

The plan sets out how we will give effect to all of the recommendations made in the O’Malley report which looked at how to protect victims of sexual violence during the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences.

When completed, this work will ensure victims have confidence that the criminal justice system will support them, keep them informed and treat them with respect and dignity at every stage of their journey through it.

To date, a number of key actions have been delivered as part of implementing Supporting a Victim’s Journey including:

- The introduction of Preliminary trial hearings which will reduce delay and allowed of for sensitive legal issues to be dealt with before the trial starts;

- Work to advance specialist training for legal professionals and all who will come into contact with a victim during their journey through the system is underway;

- The nationwide rollout of Divisional Protective Services Units is complete and a new sexual offences unit in the ODPP has been established, and

- Work to advance a number of legislative reforms is also underway.

The actions being taken as part of Supporting a Victims Journey will give victims the confidence to report an offence, knowing they will be supported, informed and treated respectfully and professionally for the entirety of the difficult journey they have to face.

As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently leading work on the whole of government strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance in our society for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV).

The Strategy has been developed in partnership with the sector to ensure it is targeted, comprehensive and effective in achieving all of the goals set out.

The new Strategy will be structured around the four pillars or goals of the Istanbul Convention which are:

- Prevention;

- Protection;

- Prosecution;

- Co-ordinated Policies

Officials have been analysing the results of the public consultation and recent consultations with the DSGBV sector.

The outcome of these will be used to finalise the Strategy which, together with an accompanying action plan, I intend to bring to Government in the coming weeks.

Top
Share