Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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356. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received a report from the ambassador to Brazil regarding the alleged rape of a teenage girl by a group of 30 or more men that has sparked protests against sexual violence against women in Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14548/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the reports regarding the alleged rape of a teenage girl in Rio de Janeiro by a group of men. This case is currently being investigated by the Brazilian authorities and, notwithstanding the appalling nature of the reported incident, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific circumstances of an ongoing investigation.

As is the case in many other countries, violence against women remains a serious problem in Brazil. In recent years, the Brazilian authorities have enacted a variety of legislative measures and social policies to tackle this problem and provide a structured response to assist female victims of violence.

The “Maria da Penha” law, which was enacted in Brazil in 2006, is the principal legal instrument in relation to violence against women. It establishes dedicated judicial and police supports to deal with violence against women, urgent protective legal measures for victims of domestic violence, and a reinforcement of the social services in this area. The law also provides for educational measures such as the inclusion of gender equality in the school curriculum.

In addition to the legal framework, in 2013 the Brazilian government introduced the ‘Mulher, Viver sem Violência’ (Women, to Live without Violence) programme to streamline and target the public services available to female victims of violence. The programme also aimed to reduce the trauma experienced by victims of engaging with the legal system. Measures included the establishment of dedicated women’s centres offering access to a range of integrated legal, police and psychosocial services, as well as childcare and assistance in establishing financial independence. To date, ten such centres have been established throughout Brazil.

In addition to government campaigns to raise awareness of the problem of gender-based violence, a “180” Freephone service has been made available throughout Brazil, which facilitates women to report crimes and provides information as to victims’ rights and legal procedures.

Our Embassy in Brasilia will continue to monitor developments in relation to this specific case and on the wider issue of gender-based violence in Brazil.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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358. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of representations he has received from Members of the Oireachtas and the number of these to which he had not issued a substantive reply by 31 May 2016, by month of initial receipt from 1 January 2015 to 30 April 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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In the time allowed to respond to this question, it was not possible to provide the information the Deputy requested.

However, all correspondence received in my Office addressed to me is recorded and tracked to ensure it is dealt with correctly and promptly. Not every piece of correspondence received requires a substantive reply. For correspondence that does, every effort is made to ensure that my Department fulfils its commitment as set out in the Department’s Customer Charter that replies will issue within 20 working days. Where the 20 working day response time cannot be achieved, an interim reply is issued and the substantive reply will typically follow as soon as possible thereafter.