A publican who chased down a man accused of sexually assaulting two young girls attending a birthday party said he still can still hear their screams.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has confirmed the man being questioned in connection with an alleged incident in Athlone did not have a criminal record for sex offences against children.

Some 25% of rapes or sexual attacks last year took place in the family home a new report from the Rape Crisis Network has found.