Sinn Féin unior spokesperson on Equality, Domestic & Gender Violence, Máire Devine TD, has said the new protocol, developed by a working group chaired by Judge Caroline Biggs, to expedite rape and murder cases with child victims and defendants is a long overdue, but very welcome development.

The Dublin South Central TD said:

“This is a long overdue but very welcome development. Delays in the pursuit of criminal justice are detrimental to all parties, but this new protocol acknowledges that children in particular can suffer acute, unnecessary emotional distress and mental health issues by a prolonged legal process.

“We hear testimony from victims of all ages that the wheels of justice can often turn agonisingly slowly. This change takes child victims as well as child defendants into account and treats them with the care and sensitivity we should endeavour to apply to all violent crime cases.

“We must see this protocol implemented ASAP—we cannot let it languish. Everyone, children in particular, need a timely response to their traumatic experiences; often they’ve waited for years while their childhood is left to erode. This is a prudent and compassionate approach.”