Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
353. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being implemented to address the rate of sexual offences carried out by children as referenced by a CSO report that revealed children were responsible for one fifth of all sexual offences reported by An Garda Síochána in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12603/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the recent statistics issued by the Central Statistics Office in relation to sexual offences committed by those under the age of 18.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Tusla has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. I understand that as part of its remit, Tusla has established a National Inter-Agency Prevention Programme to meet the varied needs of children and young persons who have exhibited harmful or abusive sexual behaviours to others; as well as support for their parents or caregivers. Further information in that regard may be obtained from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
In so far as concerns my remit as Minister for Justice and Equality, I encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, no matter who the perpetrator is, to contact An Garda Síochána.
Gardaí continue to develop their specialist services in this area and I understand that a total of 16 Divisional Protective Services Units have now been rolled out nationwide. This process is continuing and when complete, will meet a key action under 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
Further and as the Deputy may be aware, enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 was a significant development of the law on sexual offences, putting in place a statutory definition for consent.
A public awareness campaign on sexual harassment and sexual violence is also being conducted by my Department. The ‘No Excuses’ campaign aims to bring about changes in societal attitudes and behaviours, with the aim of decreasing and preventing these offences.
Finally, my Department has agreed with the Central Statistics Office that it will conduct a major National Sexual Violence Prevalence Study, which will look in detail at the experience of sexual violence and abuse in Ireland, with repeat large scale surveys every decade. This will provide a robust evidence-basis for future Government policy in this area.
