Ms Caroline Counihan:

I cannot give the Deputy chapter and verse on the statistics but a study was done indicating low levels of recidivism after four years. It went into a discussion and there was reference to various other pieces of research. If the period is extended, the recidivism rate goes up. It is also very important to distinguish between reoffending and reconviction. We should not forget that sexual violence is not often reported, even with very good supports.