Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the most disconcerting aspects of this report which causes me considerable concern is the fact that it states that women said that they did not feel justice was carried out and that they would not go through the justice system again. That militates against the reporting of often serious crime.

In the earlier part of my reply I set out the wide range of legislative steps. There are practical steps also being taken to ensure that the system is as supportive as possible for victims of domestic and sexual crime. I encourage all victims - women, in particular, as the vast majority of victims in these cases are women - to come forward and to contact the An Garda to ask for help.

I acknowledge, as I did earlier, the training by and expertise of An Garda Síochána. By the end of this year, there will be a divisional protective services unit of specifically and specially trained gardaí in each of the new divisions, as recently outlined by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

I initiated a review of the protections for vulnerable witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of sex offences through the courts. That group is chaired by Professor Tom O'Malley in NUI Galway who, I believe everyone will agree, is a leading expert in this area. A significant number of submissions were received by Professor O'Malley and it is taking some time to complete this sensitive report. It is a complex report and it will be a comprehensive report. I expect to have it by the end of the year. This will inform further on the very valid points raised by Deputy Kenny.

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