There is an urgent need for sexual assault units in central locations around the country, according to a Labour TD.
The party spokesperson on Equality and Law Reform, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, said yesterday that only Dublin and Cork had such units and she called for the establishment of other units in centres such as the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.
"The victims, for example, have had to travel from Limerick to Cork on more than one occasion because suitably trained doctors have not been available in Limerick. This is no way to treat a traumatised victim," she said.
She urged the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Health and Children "to stop squabbling about who has responsibility for this issue".
"Statistics show that there are five rapes per week in Ireland. Victims must receive the expert examination that is needed to bring perpetrators to justice," said Ms O'Sullivan.