asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the number of sexual assault units and clinics in the country, especially as people from all over the country have to travel to Dublin for treatment; if he will provide adequate funds for the establishment of sexual assault units for women and children in each of the health board catchment areas, given the high incidence of sexual assaults on women and children throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sexual Assault Units and Clinics
20.
I am satisfied that all health boards are currently in a position to provide forensic examination and medical treatment for adult victims of sexual assault, through their existing hospital and community based services.
In regard to services for sexually abused children I am very conscious of the need to improve the present range of health and social services available. As I have already announced I am providing the necessary additional resources to enable two special units to be established at Crumlin and Temple Street children's hospitals for the investigation of alleged cases of child sexual abuse. The work to be undertaken in these two units will replace the work which is currently undertaken with children at the Rotunda Hospital sexual assault treatment unit. The new units are expected to be operational in the coming months. In July last my Department issued a revised set of guidelines on child abuse which includes a special section on child sexual abuse. In circulating the new guidelines formally to the health boards my Department requested the boards to review urgently their present procedures and services for dealing with reported cases of child abuse. This review process is now underway and my Department will be discussing the outcome of the different reviews with the health boards with a view to improving present arrangements for the investigation of cases of alleged child sexual abuse and also the treatment and support services required for abused children and their families.