Sexual assault crisis - Justice delayed is justice denied

A MAJOR investigation into delays in the investigation and prosecution of murder and rape cases in the Republic has come to some damning conclusions.

Astonishingly, according to the National Crime Council, the time between a case being sent for trial and the trial starting is three times longer here than in England or Wales and almost five times longer than in the North.

Justice delayed is justice denied and by any standard, the blatant delays highlighted by the first report of its kind are unacceptable. Significantly, it argues that waiting times could be halved in bringing rape and murder cases to trial.

One of its main findings involves the lack of sexual assault treatment units (SATUs) outside Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Letterkenny.

This has long been a source of frustration for those working at the coal face of Ireland’s sexual assault crisis. More treatment units are urgently needed.

While it notes significant improvement since the investigation began, it is patently clear that much remains to be done.

It is imperative that this report, which focuses a penetrating spotlight on delays involving the court system, the gardaí and the DPP’s office, should not be consigned to gather dust on Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s shelf.