Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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311. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if people who are the victims of sexual assault have a right to self-refer to a sexual assault treatment unit even if they are not in a position to make an allegation against the perpetrator at that time; if he is satisfied that the correct information on this is being made available to all victims of sexual offences in Garda stations throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37647/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the operation of the Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATU) comes under the remit of the HSE.

In this regard, I am advised that the HSE has interagency national guidelines in place for the referral and forensic clinical examination to facilitate all aspects of a responsive and coordinated service for women and men over the age of 14 years who have been raped or sexually assaulted.

Under these guidelines I understand that there are a number of options available for victims of sexual assault regarding their attendance at a SATU.

One of the options for such victims include the option for them to attend the SATU to avail of a health check and receive appropriate medical and psychological care, but without reporting the incident to An Garda Síochána, and, if they so wish, also allow for the collection and preservation of evidentially valuable forensic samples, in circumstances where the person has yet to decide to report to An Garda Síochána.

The role played by all the relevant parties, including An Garda Síochána, is set out in the interagency guidelines, the application of which, the Deputy will appreciate, is an operational matter for all of the agencies involved.

Under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act, 2017, An Garda Síochána must give a range of specific information to victims of crime when they are first in contact with An Garda Síochána and victims may opt-in to receive a range of other specific information concerning the progress of the investigation, which must be given to them. The information to be provided by An Garda Síochána to victims on first contact with them includes information on services providing support for victims.

I have sought assurance from the Garda authorities that this process is being adhered to in relation to all victims of sexual offences and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.