Labour calls for task force to tackle sexual violence

A GOVERNMENT-appointed task force is needed to tackle the growing levels of sexual and domestic violence, the Labour Party said last night.

The party's spokesperson on justice, Joe Costello, has asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice to meet with the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland to discuss the crisis in funding.

Mr Costello said a ministerial portfolio to deal single-handedly with the issues of rape and sexual violence must be established. The funding for Rape Crisis Centres is currently under the remit of six Government departments. "A minister with a specific brief for sexual violence under either health or justice should be established or else a task force with specific functions to co-ordinate services and to make sure funding for those services is there.