The Minister for Justice has said he is committed to introducing legal representation for complainants in rape cases when "past sexual history" is raised at a trial.

However, Mr O'Donoghue said he was not prepared to give a time scale for this because it had to be considered carefully. He added that the question of separate legal representation in all cases could have constitutional implications.

Ms Liz McManus (DL, Wicklow), who raised the issue of legal aid for victims in rape cases, said to leave the matter on the "long finger" would ensure that the guilty were not brought to justice and many women would be afraid to go to court because of the lack of legal support.