James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for devoting time to their consideration of this important Bill through its various Stages. The Bill sets out a package of measures that will introduce important reforms in a number of areas. The common ground underpinning all these measures is our commitment to strengthening protections for vulnerable victims.

A number of recommendations in the O'Malley review of the protections for vulnerable witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences have already been implemented. They include the introduction of preliminary trial hearings, which has helped to improve efficiency in how trials are run. Potential issues can be identified and solved in advance, allowing those trials to proceed on their scheduled dates.This reduces delays and eases what can be a traumatic process for victims. This Bill implements further recommendations of the O'Malley review, specifically designed to improve the treatment of vulnerable victims of sexual offences. They aim to reduce the stress and anxiety which may be experienced during the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. Above all, these measures aim to protect victims from re-traumatisation and re-victimisation during this process. Similarly, by requiring that a character reference be provided on behalf of a convicted sex offender be sworn, either on oath or affidavit, we will protect victims of sexual crimes from further traumatisation during the sentencing hearing.

We take steps in this Bill to put a new referral mechanism for victims of human trafficking on a statutory footing. The new national referral mechanism will provide a mechanism for all agencies, both state and civil society, to co-operate and share information. This new approach will make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, to be identified and to access advice, accommodation and support. Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime, which preys on some of the most vulnerable. Victims of trafficking can be found anywhere and are sometimes hidden in plain sight. Their vulnerability can often make them particularly hard to reach, but a new national referral mechanism on a statutory footing is a clear demonstration of our commitment to identify and support victims. It is a key element in the new national action plan, which sets out a suite of measures to combat trafficking, create a more victim-centred approach to identify and support victims, raise awareness and provide training for those who need it. It will also strengthen Ireland's international reputation in this area.

The Bill also contains important and necessary amendments to the Defence Act regarding sexual offences. These amendments mean that women and men in the Defence Forces will be able to turn to the civilian system in the investigation and prosecution of such offences. Last but not least, the Bill provides for the legislative amendments required for Ireland to ratify the second optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. This is an important international instrument on the protection of children from exploitation. I welcome the support this Bill has received in the House and thank the Senators for their constructive engagement.