Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I might pick up where the Vice Chair left off. I agree with what has been said. That is matter I was going to touch on as well. I agree wholeheartedly with every word the Vice Chair said.

I thank everyone who has taken the time to be present this afternoon. I found the contributions harrowing in many ways but very necessary at the same time. As a previous speaker said, it is difficult to put one's finger on the extent of this problem in society. Moving on from the Vice Chair's concluding remarks and to add to the layer of trauma she outlined, the fact that in many cases the court procedure can go on for up to four years before there is a conclusion is harrowing.

It is very disappointing that, from what we heard from the barristers, if I took them up correctly, this is an issue of resources and that, in many ways, additional resources could fast-track the whole process. I ask the representatives of the Department to comment in that regard. Has any work been done regarding the resources that are required in order to expedite the entire trial process?

I ask the officials to comment on rape shield law, which I understand is in place in America and Canada. Are there any plans to introduce rape shield law in this State? Is it being discussed? The whole idea that a person's clothing, previous sexual history or possible intoxication with alcohol or drugs should come into the equation is, to my mind, harrowing. It certainly should not be the case.

It is clear that, as a society, more needs to be done with regard to public awareness and education around this whole area and that of respect. Are the witnesses satisfied that we currently have the systems in place to address that issue? If not, how or where do they believe we can improve on that?

I refer to the whole idea of aftercare, for want of a better term. Is there an area where persons who have gone through a traumatic and life-changing event such as this can be taken by the hand, if one likes, and given all the help, if any, that is available to assist them to get their lives back in order and deal with the trauma they are going through?

As regards the courts system generally, I understand the O'Malley report made certain recommendations. Are our guests happy with the progress that has been made in that regard? Is there another jurisdiction anywhere on the globe which we could use as a blueprint to follow?