Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2009
66 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he proposes to take arising from the increase in rape and sexual offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21619/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra74 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the findings of the recent study carried out under the auspices of the EU Daphne II project which found that only 8% of the reported rapes here resulted in convictions; his further views on the low level of prosecutions and convictions; the steps he will take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21493/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 74 together.
An Garda Síochána and a number of other agencies have participated in a detailed research project funded by the EU Daphne II programme, relating to the attrition rate in rape cases in eleven EU countries. While there is as yet no published report from the main research project, data in respect of Ireland was recently published. I look forward to receiving the final report and will consider carefully its findings and recommendations.
The Government places a high priority on putting in place measures aimed at tackling crimes of rape, sexual assault and other crimes of a sexual nature. The statistics on recorded crime for the first quarter of 2009, published by the Central Statistics Office, show a reduction of 28.9% in sexual offences in the quarter.
All sexual offence cases are the subject of rigorous investigation by the Gardaí. All available resources are employed in respect of all sex offence cases to bring these investigations to a successful conclusion. Investigation files are forwarded to the Law Officers for a decision as to what charges are to be preferred. An Garda Síochána actively encourages people who are the victims of sexual crimes to report the offence to the Gardaí. A number of established initiatives underpin this policy.
The Government's commitment to tackling domestic and sexual violence is reflected in the establishment in June, 2007 of Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. Cosc's key responsibility is to ensure the delivery of a well coordinated whole of Government response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Cosc's major priority is to produce a National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which has the support of State and non-government organisations in the sector. This Strategy will set out the policy on addressing domestic and sexual violence, and the preventative and responsive actions to be taken by the broad range of organisations to ensure a well coordinated system. The preparation of the Strategy is being carried out in partnership with the relevant State and non-governmental organisations.
