Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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68. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the review of the treatment of complainants in sexual assault and rape trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29663/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The effect of rape and sexual assault on victims can be devastating. The prosecution of sexual offences must be conducted with sensitivity to the needs of the complainant, while still respecting the rights of the accused person. The review which I have announced will examine all aspects of the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences to ensure that there is a compassionate and fair system in place.

Terms of reference for the review have been drawn up, and the formal review will shortly commence. As part of the preparatory process, I have conducted a series of consultations with representatives from a wide range of organisations in the sector to listen to their views. This was a useful exercise which helped to identify where there may be areas for improvement within the existing laws governing sexual offences. It also brought valuable insight into the experiences of victims of sexual offences in their interactions with the criminal justice system in this jurisdiction.

This Government is firmly committed to strengthening the law around sexual offences. The enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 last year was a significant development of the law on sexual offences, putting in place a statutory definition for consent to a sexual act. The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 has also significantly enhanced protections for victims of crime, including victims of sexual offences.

The Government has also recently approved the drafting of two further pieces of legislation: a Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill which will provide for sentencing for repeat sex offenders, and a Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill, which strengthens the arrangements for post-release supervision of sex offenders.