Ms Áine Breathnach:

As Deputy O'Callaghan said, much of this role involves explaining to the victim what will happen, where his or her statement will go and the legal process that will be kick-started once a complaint is made. It may also involve advising clients as to whether they have to sign a consent form for the release of medical information or whether they have to hand over their phone. What about their privacy and family rights? It is about talking them through the legal process, including what their rights are and how to vindicate them at the earliest possible stage, rather than talking them through the trauma, which is the role of a specialised counsellor.