Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have all read in the media today about the report of Sir John Gillen on how rape trials are conducted in Northern Ireland. It is an excellent report and the former judge articulated well on it on "Morning Ireland" this morning. He has recommended that publicly funded legal advice for victims in rape trials be considered. Approximately six months ago, Fianna Fáil, through our justice spokesman, Deputy O'Callaghan, introduced legislation in the Dáil which seeks to afford legal representation to victims of alleged sexual offences. Without question, we are agreed that there is a need for greater legal protections to be offered to complainants in cases of this nature. Every victim should feel encouraged and adequately supported by the State to pursue justice. It is disappointing that the Government has failed to get behind and rapidly progress this legislation. Last June, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, said there would be a review of how rape cases were conducted in Ireland. At that time, he made a firm commitment that he would bring forward a package of procedural and legislative changes by the end of summer. We are now in November and we are yet to receive an update on this review. Will the Taoiseach indicate where this review is? When can we expect legislation in the House to deal with this issue?

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