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Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (775)

Joe Costello

Ceist:

955 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many rape victims have to travel considerable distances for medical attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22836/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the difficulties that can arise for some victims of alleged sexual assault where they may have to travel a significant distance to receive forensic testing and other medical care. It is an issue which is receiving attention within my Department.

My Department has been actively involved in the national steering committee on violence against women, under the chairpersonship of our colleague, Deputy O'Dea, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department also plays an active role in the "Raising the Standards" group, a body representing the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland, which looks at best practice in the treatment of victims of domestic and sexual violence.

There are currently four sexual assault treatment units. These are based in Dublin, Cork, Letterkenny and Waterford. Today, 29 September, my Department will propose to the national steering committee on violence against women that it establish a sub-committee to exclusively look at the treatment services for victims of alleged sexual crime. This proposal names the bodies which, because of their expertise, should be included in this sub-committee. The terms of reference, as proposed by my Department, ask that this sub-committee present its findings and recommendations, complete with verifiable costings, by the end of June 2005. I hope the work of this group will result in a model for optimum delivery of services to victims of alleged sexual assault.

Question No. 956 answered with QuestionNo. 913.
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