Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy. I think everyone in this House can unite behind wanting to reduce the further trauma a victim could face when bringing criminal proceedings to encourage and help people to come forward. Trying to support a victim in the journey through the criminal justice system is very much at the core of our work and at the core of the zero-tolerance strategy towards domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

I have outlined to the House that the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 puts some protections in place. Ensuring that the new harassment and stalking offences fall within the protections applied by Part III of the Criminal Evidence Act is also important.

I am concerned about cross-examination where one person is accused of committing an offence against another. Senator Martin published a good Private Members' Bill. I want to consider how we can incorporate it. I also want to consider how to provide greater anonymity. I will table proposals in the Seanad, which will eventually come to the Dáil, when we will have a chance to discuss the matter.

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