Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I would rather not. They are slightly different. The first is really an observation.

On the evidence from RCNI, I was generally aware of the low charge and conviction rates for sexual crimes but I had no idea it was as low for sexual violence against children. I am just shocked at that low level. I echo the witnesses' call for greater research and information on this because the rate is appallingly low.

I will make two final points. I am interested in the point about facilities. It seems to me that there may potentially be a need for significant capital investment to bring our courts of State up to scratch. I do not necessarily expect this to be outlined on the floor of the committee, but if anyone is aware of any detailed document outlining the level of capital expenditure that would be required, I am sure it would be useful to provide it to the committee. I am also interested in the point made by Dr. O'Mahony and a few others, I think, that there may be scope for more flexible approaches in respect of other buildings. That is very interesting.

I will ask a final question. We may consider this at a later date, but it would be remiss of me not to pose the question. The Minister for Justice and Equality is bringing forward a referendum on divorce which would remove the matter from the Constitution. We have not seen the detail of the proposition, but the indication is that legislation would accompany it providing for a reduction in the period of separation required, I think, from four in five years in the Constitution to two out of three years in legislation. Will the witnesses outline even a brief initial view on the legislative end of this, whether it is the right approach, whether it is too restrictive or whether it is not restrictive enough?