Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I have no doubt that she understands the significance of this area. I urge her to speak to the Minister for Health about how the HSE can develop increased capacity and geographical spread to deal with this horrific epidemic. I draw attention to the fact that the initial data show that one fifth of those who attended these units last year - over 200 people - were aged 14 to 17, a particularly worrying number. We do not know if this is due to an increase in rates of assault and violence or an increase in reporting. Regardless, it must be a wake-up call. We know that these figures are replicated in other findings. The National Women's Council of Ireland has highlighted that young women aged 18 to 34 are twice as likely to be subjected to sexual harassment and violence than women on average. In all of the Government's efforts to address gender-based violence, there must be a clear emphasis on responding to these worrying levels among young women.

Every time I raise these issues, I call for immediate reform of sexual and relationship education. Young people need to be properly educated on matters of consent and sexual health; it is that simple. It is clear that delays in these changes are facilitating harm. The debate is long over; we need those reforms now. Sexual assaults and violence at a young age impact a person's whole life. We must do everything we can to prevent these despicable crimes. There must be specific integrated strategies involving health, education, law, youth organisations and sports clubs to respond to this issue. Nothing less than a whole-of-government response is required to intervene effectively.

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