Sexual assaults - Funding for units should be a priority

Rape is one of the most horrific and potentially deadly crimes, in view of the growing prevalence of HIV and hepatitis, but the sexual assault units in various parts of the country are in danger of collapse due to a lack of proper funding.

Doctors and nurses must undergo special forensic training to work in sexual assault units, but there is a dearth of doctors to undergo the necessary training, as they are so poorly paid.

They are only being paid up to €70 for 24 hours on call, which amounts to a pittance in comparison with the remuneration of colleagues in other branches of medicine.