Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the concern of Deputy Micheál Martin on the matter of these reports. I have been engaging with Garda management on the issue and with interested stakeholders and advocacy groups. There is merit in making contact with the management teams in our third-level colleges. I acknowledge the importance of the Garda protective services unit, which is engaged on the ground in ensuring those who report crime of a sexual nature are dealt with in a most compassionate and comprehensive way. I urge any person and any young woman in particular who suffers as a result of such criminal activity to report the matter to the Garda Síochána where there are structures available. I acknowledge the legislative programme in that regard to ensure those who are brought to court and convicted of such crimes are dealt with. Later this afternoon, the House will discuss the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill.

In conclusion, I will point to a review of the practice and procedure of reporting on sexual offences which is under way under the chair of Mr. Tom O'Malley of NUI Galway. There is merit in making direct contact on this specific issue with the heads of colleges and those involved in pastoral care in our colleges to ensure that anybody who suffers at the hands of a criminal receives an adequate and comprehensive response from the State.

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