Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not think it was that clear, which is why I ask the question now. Has the Deputy shared all of the information he has on this specific matter with the Garda?

I remind the House that the Government brought in the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. Under this Act, withholding information on a serious sexual or violent offence committed against a child or a vulnerable person is itself an offence. There is a duty on everyone to provide information to the Garda Síochána where this information concerns serious offences perpetrated against the vulnerable in society.

Neither sexual violence nor a culture of private justice or cover-up can be tolerated in any form, in any context or in any circumstance by any political leader, Government, or member of society. For all we know about abuse and sexual violence, what is even more frightening is what we do not know about the abuse and violence which occurs in silence and is never reported. The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland report, which I launched today, shows that in 2013, only 48% of survivors of adult sexual violence reported to a formal authority. Contacts to rape crisis networks increased by 11%, which highlights the work being done by rape crisis centres, but a reporting rate of 48% is far too low.

After the publication of the Cloyne report and the launch of the Children First guidelines, referrals to child protection services increased by one third in 2012 compared with 2011. It is my firm belief that we must ensure a similar cross-societal approach to all forms of sexual violence in all settings. We must ensure that no barrier, no hesitation or no doubt ever comes in the way of reporting suspicions or concerns regarding the occurrence or risk of sexual abuse.

As other Deputies have said, I hope the very public efforts of Maíria Cahill, while undoubtedly a testing period for her, and I have no doubt listening to the debate in the House is very testing, will nevertheless have a broader impact in empowering other victims, suffering in silence, to come forward. In this debate we have heard reports of more women who were victims of sexual violence by persons holding positions in the republican movement. Some of these victims are now coming forward. I hope all victims can be supported to come forward.

I commend the comments made earlier by my colleague, Deputy Regina Doherty. She stated she has made an appointment with the Garda to pass on all the information she has received. Her action is an example to everyone.

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