Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
231. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that compares our justice system with those of other EU countries, the actions he is taking to address the specific statistics in relation to the significantly high rate of sexual offences in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13206/26]
View answer232. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any review within his Department in relation to a report published by the Law Society of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13207/26]
View answer233. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions he will take to address any of the concerns related to crime levels in Ireland outlined in a report published by the Law Society of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13208/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together.
My Department is aware of the report published by the Law Society of Ireland, which compares Ireland’s recorded sexual offence rate with other EU countries. While international comparisons are informative, it is important to note that differences between jurisdictions can reflect variations in legal definitions, recording practices and procedures. In Ireland, rising figures may also indicate that more victims and survivors feel able to come forward and report offences, reflecting increased confidence in An Garda Síochána and awareness of, and confidence in, the support services available.
The findings reinforce the importance of our Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV). The Strategy is focused on ensuring a victim- centred approach, guiding how services respond to survivors and aiming to support them in coming forward safely. It is informed by a social change model that seeks to challenge myths and misconceptions about DSGBV and to create a safe space for victims and survivors to share their experiences and be heard.
Cuan has been established to lead delivery of services and coordinate the national response. Funding increased to almost €80m under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of Zero Tolerance. This represents an increase of €12m year on year.
Significant legislative reform has been progressed, including the Sex Offenders Amendment Act 2023, which strengthens the robust management and monitoring of offenders in place. The Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 provides enhanced protections for victims of sexual violence during investigations and court proceedings.
As the Deputy will be aware, I secured Government approval at the end of last year to publish the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 which includes measures to criminalise the exploitative practice of seeking sex in lieu of rent, and to restrict the disclosure of counselling records in sexual offence trials.
It is recognised that women and girls are disproportionately affected by DSGBV. Research from the European Institute for Gender Equality indicated that one in three women in the EU has experienced physical or sexual violence, yet only a small proportion report these incidents to the authorities. To improve understanding, Ireland will participate in a Europe wide survey of the prevalence of DSGBV in 2027, providing a more comprehensive perspective.
An Garda Síochána continues to improve responses in this area. There are now specially trained officers in every Garda Division to engage with, and support, victims of domestic and sexual violence.
I continue to build on the reforms implemented under Supporting a Victim’s Journey, a detailed action plan to ensure a victim-centred approach to the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. A fourth national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will be developed later in the year, which will both entrench and expand upon the progress achieved under the Zero Tolerance strategy. These initiatives reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting survivors, improving outcomes and addressing DSGBV through evidence-based policy and practice.
