Rape victim ‘delighted’ at Kenny meeting

Rape victim Fiona Doyle says she is “delighted” that Enda Kenny has agreed to meet her and sees it as a sign that he is willing to listen to victims of sexual crimes.

Ms Doyle, whose father walked free from court on Monday despite admitting raping her over a period of 10 years, will give Mr Kenny her “full story” and wants him to see the consequences of rape on her and her family.

Ms Doyle had sought the meeting with the Taoiseach after waiving her right to anonymity in the prosecution, only to see her 72-year-old father, Patrick O’Brien, handed a 12-year sentence with nine years suspended. He was freed on bail to await an appeal on the jail term.

Mr Kenny told the Dáil yesterday: “I’m quite willing to meet Ms Doyle, to hear her views as a victim of unspeakable horror, as to her perspective on how a victim would see the court system working.

“I can’t comment about the judge in question or about the sentencing, but I’m very happy to meet with Ms Doyle at a convenient time.”

Ms Doyle had not received any communication from Mr Kenny last night but her daughter, Kristel O’Brien, said the family was “encouraged” by his statement and invited him to make contact.

Speaking on behalf of her mother and family, Ms O’Brien, 26, said her mother was “delighted that he is going to make her voice heard in the Dáil”.

Ms O’Brien said: “It shows that he does care for the women of the nation, for victims of abuse and sex crimes, and thinks their voices should be heard.”

She also said her mother while “distraught” by Monday’s court ruling, was “overwhelmed” by the level of public support.

Meanwhile, her father and abuser is due back before the courts today, where the DPP is expected to make an application in relation to the case.

O’Brien, of Old Court Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to 16 charges of the rape and indecent assault of Ms Doyle.

It is understood that Mr Justice Paul Carney will deal with outstanding counts, but it is also expected the DPP will make an application in relation to the case.