Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is the Taoiseach aware that one of the reasons for enhancing the DPP's office is the need for the office to explain properly why so many cases are not pursued? Is the Taoiseach aware that fewer than one in ten victims of sexual violence comes through the system and that fewer come before the courts in this jurisdiction than in 20 other European Union member states? That detail comes from the Rape Crisis Network Ireland.

Given that the DPP is the gateway controlling the number of reported cases going before the courts, would the Taoiseach agree that the DPP must prepare and report on decisions made through its office to ensure a better understanding of the basis for these decisions? Recognising that need, does he agree that we need further support-enhancing measures to create a more effective, open and understandable Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions? This goes to the kernel of the question.

Does the Taoiseach agree that if failures in evidence-gathering constitute a barrier to bringing cases before the courts this should be identified by the DPP's office and rectified? Does the Taoiseach agree the office has the primary responsibility to clearly point out the deficiencies in the investigation and preparation of cases submitted for its consideration?

See this speech in context