Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-27
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

I cannot formulate a policy based on one case. However, the cases the Deputy gives to me and other cases that are reported on the system generally influence and guide policy in the area. Some cases will take time no matter what level of resources we have put into them. For example, historic sexual abuse cases are going to take time because the gardai have to go back and seek witnesses from many years ago so no matter what level of resources I put in and no matter how many judges are there to deal with cases on an expedited basis, some cases are going to take time. We all want to make sure the rights of victims are vindicated and protected and victims get justice. At the same time, as Minister for Justice, I have to ensure that the rights to a fair trial of people who are accused are similarly protected. We do not want to go so far that that important constitutional right is compromised. It is about getting the balance right, but I agree with the Deputy that we need to speed up the process.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-27/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:01+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-27