Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My focus today must be on ensuring the protection of the rights of children and those who are victims of child sexual abuse. This is the key issue with regard to the Bill.

Incest and horrific incidents occur in many families and most cases do not reach the courts. We must accept that most of these young boys and girls suffer in silence, and it is only 20 or 30 years later that they declare what happened in their childhood. We must place a strong focus on this. With all the discussion, talk and referendums, I want to ensure that those in schools and social workers deliver front-line services for these children. The safety of children is very important.

It is important to examine what is happening in other jurisdictions. Of all jurisdictions where incest is illegal, the maximum sentence for the crime of incest by a male is life imprisonment under the Punishment of Incest Act 1908. The province of Queensland in Australia also provides for a life sentence. The punishment for incest in jurisdictions where it is illegal varies substantially, with a maximum sentence of 14 years in the UK and Canada, and three years in Germany and Sweden. It is important to highlight this issue.

Where there is a lack of consent, the DPP may choose to prosecute a crime under general sexual offences legislation as rape, rape under section 4 or defilement of a child. When we speak about the Bill it is important to picture the image of the young child in these situations. We must focus on this and ensure the legislation is of a high standard and that it is brought efficiently through the Dáil and no stumbling blocks are put in its way as it goes through the Oireachtas. We do not want another young woman like Louise O'Keeffe having to fight and scream for many years before she is listened to. Many other victims in the same position also received letters from the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Education and Skills. These victims must be looked after. I welcome the debate on the legislation and I will support it.

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