Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
123. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the 2024 report commissioned by his Department, entitled ‘A Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences in Ireland: Stakeholder Experiences’, the steps he has taken to address the under-resourcing of the criminal justice system identified in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69105/26]
View answer124. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the 2024 report commissioned by his Department, entitled ‘A Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences in Ireland: Stakeholder Experiences’, his views of the finding that under-resourcing in the criminal justice system was the primary cause of adjournments, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69104/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.
The report, A Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences in Ireland: Stakeholder Experiences, which was commissioned by my Department and published in June 2024, provides an important evidence base regarding factors contributing to delays in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences, including concerns raised by stakeholders regarding resourcing across elements of the criminal justice system.
While operational responsibility for the delivery of criminal justice services rests with a range of independent agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Government remains committed to ensuring that those bodies are appropriately supported to carry out their functions.
In 2022, my Department published Zero Tolerance: the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 2022-2026. This five-year Strategy outlines a whole-of-Government response to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and is based on the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Policy Co-ordination. Cuan was established in 2024 and drives a coordinated whole-of-government approach to improving outcomes for victims and strengthening the State's response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This action is supported by unprecedented funding of almost €80 million under Budget 2026, ensuring sustained support for vital frontline services.
As part of the Third National Strategy, significant investment has been provided across the justice sector in recent years to strengthen capacity, improve victim supports and reduce delays. This includes additional funding and personnel for An Garda Síochána, continued investment in the Courts Service and court infrastructure, and the ongoing expansion of specialist services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Work has now commenced on the development of the Fourth National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which will cover the five-year period 2027-2031. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is leading this process, supported by Cuan. The new Strategy will be informed by a review of progress to date to identify systemic challenges and analysis of new or emerging issues since publication of the current Strategy.
The Department and Cuan will continue to engage with stakeholders and implementing partners over the coming months in exploring specific themes and priorities to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based national strategy and implementation plan to succeed the current framework.
The 2024 report is a significant contribution to a growing evidence base on stakeholder experiences, which highlights the importance of a whole-system approach to addressing delays. This research informs ongoing work by my Department, together with criminal justice agencies and other relevant stakeholders, to improve the handling of sexual offence cases and to support the objectives of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
While the causes of adjournments can vary from case to case, I recognise that ensuring criminal justice agencies are appropriately resourced is an important element in reducing delays, improving efficiency and maintaining confidence in the justice system for victims, witnesses and accused persons alike.
