Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like my colleagues, I thank Deputy O'Callaghan for his work in this area. This is a most welcome Bill and I have no doubt it will enhance the respect and protection given to victims of sexual violence in the criminal justice process. I also welcome the statement from the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, that the Government will not oppose this Bill. This, coupled with the support from all sides of the House for this Bill, demonstrates the seriousness with which all Deputies take this issue.

We must try to stem the increased incidence of rape and other sexual offences. The latest CSO figures are a cause for grave concern. In the period from 2008 to 2017, there was an increase of more than 100% in reported incidents of sexual assault. There may have been under-reporting for many years. That could be a factor or perhaps we have a major crisis on our hands. In one way, I hope the increase can be explained by under-reporting. Attacks of this nature are vile and appalling and it is up to us as legislators to deal with this situation. It is so important that we encourage people to report such incidents.

I wish to bring rural Ireland into this discussion. We must consider people who are living in isolated areas. Where do they go if an attack takes place, particularly at night? In many cases they do not have a local Garda station any more and can be many miles away from any Garda unit. This issue must be considered and reforms introduced in that regard. There are six sexual assault treatment units in Ireland that can provide specialist care to victims of sexual assault.

That is not enough. I want to reflect back to the issue of isolation for people in rural areas. There are many issues to address and the matter needs to be taken seriously. I am confident that what Deputy O'Callaghan is doing here, and the support the House is showing for it, is the right way to go. I welcome that and hope we all work together to deal with the issue as a matter of urgency.

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