Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again for raising this important topic. In my concluding remarks, I wish to refer to the SATU policy review, which began in September 2018 and concluded in February 2019 and examined the efficacy of these treatment units. The review team comprised staff from the Department of Health, the then Department of Justice and Equality, the HSE and the SATUs. I am pleased to say the implementation of the policy review recommendations has been completed. The fifth edition of the National Guidelines on Referral and Forensic Clinical Examination Following Rape and Sexual Assault, have been developed this year as an inter-agency document to ensure clearly defined referral pathways exist in order that all people, regardless of age or gender, can access appropriate individualised care that is responsive to their needs. The implementation of the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy for the period 2022 to 2026, as well as the completion of a range of other projects across many Government Departments, will be essential in achieving the aim of reducing sexual crime. Responsibility for responding to sexual violence is shared across the Government. I am aware that the Department of Justice has agreed with the CSO to the development and delivery of a significant new national survey on the prevalence of sexual violence in Ireland. It will look in detail at the experience of sexual violence and abuse for both women and men in Ireland. Having the most relevant and up-to-date data on the prevalence of sexual violence will continue to help us to plan for better services and supports for victims, including across SATUs.

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