Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

They are left physically, emotionally and mentally sick and their childhoods are taken yet so often, despite the horrific nature of these crimes, perpetrators receive very, very light sentences. This infuriates not just victims and their families but the general public. It sends very dangerous messages to victims of crime generally but specifically to victims of sexual violence. These are not unique or isolated cases, as the Tánaiste knows. There is a real problem with the sentences handed down to perpetrators of rape and sexual abuse, in particular, and we must face up to that. Inconsistency, leniency and light sentences are common practice. The House should make no mistake. A recent high profile case has brought the Judiciary into disrepute. The public does not trust our justice system to deliver punishments that fit these crimes. It is as simple as that.

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