Training for court assistants to help sex crime victims give evidence

It is part of a plan to create a more victim-focussed criminal justice system

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, launched the programme in the University of Limerick to address barriers facing vulnerable witnesses in sexual assault cases. File photo

A new course is being launched that will train people to assist sex abuse victims and children in giving evidence in trials or during garda interviews.

The area was identified in an expert Government report on addressing barriers facing vulnerable witnesses in sexual assault cases. The programme, due to start in the University of Limerick this autumn, was launched by Justice Minister Helen McEntee.