John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I concur with everything said by my comrade, Deputy Pringle. The rape of a women violates her human rights and dignity. It always has catastrophic effects on the quality of life of the woman who has been violently assaulted, because the violence is not only sexual but can sometimes be extreme and inflict personal and physical damage to the woman. I met some rape victims in the Dáil and spoke to them. It was very difficult for me to listen to what they had to say. I can only say this from my heart in representing women. Recovery for a woman who has been violently assaulted and sexually abused can be complex and difficult. I recognise that it takes a lot of counselling, time, effort and money but, as I said in my opening remarks, a woman's life can be irreparably damaged. Her family and children can be affected, her ability to indulge in sex with her partner or husband can irretrievably damaged and her capacity to think positively can be destroyed. We must be careful when we are talking about cutting funding to that individual woman if she requires complex counselling that costs money and a lot of time and effort. I know the Minister would agree with me on this and I would never argue with her about it. I am sure the Minister has met women, as have I. Money should not be a factor in respect of repairing or at least helping to repair a woman's life.

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