Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
177. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase the number of sexual assault treatment units nationally; the level of current delays in the processing of forensic evidence at SATU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware there are currently 6 Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) in Ireland. These are:
- Cork SATU located in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital,
- Donegal SATU located at Justice Walsh Road in Letterkenny,
- Dublin SATU located in Rotunda Hospital Campus,
- Galway SATU located in Brockagh, Co. Galway,
- Mullingar SATU located in Midland Regional Hospital and
- Waterford SATU located in University Hospital Waterford.
There are currently no plans to increase the number of SATUs.
One of the functions of SATUs is the collection of forensic evidence, which is then provided to the Gardaí for processing by Forensic Science Ireland at Garda Headquarters. My colleague, the Minister for Justice. is responsible for this area.
