Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 27:

In page 23, line 12, to delete “under the age of 18 years”.

This section provides for persons under the age of 18 to give evidence from behind a screen and in a very difficult case and traumatic circumstances for a young person, it is important that he or she be given the opportunity to do that and not have to face the perpetrator of the crime. The Rape Crisis Network Ireland has made the case strongly that it would make sense to allow this provision for anybody without an age limit.

The Bill acknowledges the need to consider the public interest in encouraging the reporting of sexual offences in section 38. Given the trauma associated with sexual offences and the difficulties which victims often face in coming forward, it is important that the courts make it as easy as possible for victims to give evidence. Removing the age limitations from this section would allow all those who wish to give evidence from behind a screen to do so rather than only those younger than 18 years.

The existing amendment makes provision for the court to remove this entitlement if it believes it is in the interest of justice to do so. I appeal strongly to the Tánaiste to accept this amendment, which allows for the extension of the arrangement to give evidence behind a screen to all persons in those circumstances.

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