Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

Having listened to the Government, and Government backbenchers in particular, I believe the Dáil report for 1996 and 1997, a period in opposition of the Minister's party, should be compulsory reading because people do not know how low opposition can go.

This is a crisis. I have been given three minutes to speak, the same time as the Taoiseach had to speak on his visit to the United States. It is difficult to understand why he did not see fit to be present in the House to deal with this issue, although he claimed it did not need to be dealt with.

I would like to refer quickly to the manner in which young people are treated in court, which is an issue with which the Minister should deal. I listened to a father last night whose daughter was one of the 2% of victims of crimes of this nature who have their day in court. She was treated as the criminal rather than as the victim. She did not get any help from the legal system — she was there as a bystander and she was used as cannon fodder when she was asked to go into court. The Garda was extremely good to her. I ask the Minister to do what he can at this last minute to bring some degree of clarity to this legislation. It is vital that victims of whatever age should be able to avail of video links, support from social workers and support from the legal system. If we do not provide for such services, people will not come forward to say they have been the victims of sexual crimes. I do not think any caring Minister would ask anyone to endure what the girl whose father I mentioned had to endure. I personally witnessed its effect on her family.

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