RCNI Press Release 20 June 2006

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) express their frustration after learning that the government has not resourced the recommendations within the Sexual Assault Treatment Services: A National Review launched today at government buildings, 3pm, by Ministers of State, Frank Fahey and Sean Power.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘it was with deep regret that we learnt at the launch of the Review today that there was no financial or resource commitment from the government in advancing the recommendations. This lethargic approach to issues of providing adequately for victims of sexual violence within the Criminal Justice System, even when the next steps are fully explored and could not be clearer, is all too familiar.

The lack of action is not through lack for preparedness. The Review Committee, (the RCNI has been a member from the start), has been in existence for a number of years. The Committee became reactivated after strong pressure from the RCNI in February of 2005. From the start the Review (Commissioned by the Department of Health) was understood to have resource implications and the schedule for its production designed to meet budget 2006 deadlines. So far as we can determine no specific budget lines were put aside in budget 2006. Finally, over six months later the Review has been publicly launched. The Minister of State Sean Power, informs us that it will be sent to the HSE for actioning under next years budget. The RCNI seek clarification if that mean that it will be actioned in 2007 or is it that the HSE will be making a decision about actioning it in 2007 and if so who will be making that decision?

We are already behind schedule. The Review envisaged securing the four existing units and establishing two much needed new units in 2006 in the West and the Midlands. The full budget implications of the review are estimated at €2,815,612, a relatively low price to pay to meet the basic rights to care and due process of victims.’

Notes:
• Currently functioning Sexual Assault Treatment Units exist in Dublin (the Rotunda), Waterford, Cork and Letterkenny. There have been a variety of forensic medical services in Limerick, Galway and Kerry which through resource difficulties have struggled to or ceased to function.
• The review recommends securing appropriate funding for the existing units and establishing two new units in Galway and in the Midlands this year at an estimated set up cost of €320,000.
• The review also identifies the need for the refurbishment of Garda Siochana facilities, with a budget estimate of €300,000.
• The RCNI participated in the Sexual Assault Review Committee along with the DoH&C, the HSE, the DJELR, An Garda Siochana DVSAIU, medical personnel from the SATU in the Rotunda, nursing personnel from the CARE unit in Letterkenny, the INO, nursing education personnel, the RCSI, GPs, a paediatrician, and personnel from RCCs.
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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