Plans to increase jail sentences for sex offenders were unveiled today by the Government following the case of Ms Sorcha McKenna last year. The proposals include what is effectively a register of sex offenders.
The Minister for Justice Mr O'Donoghue has said he intends to increase maximum sentences for sexual offenders from five years to 10 years in cases involving adult victims and 14 years in child-abuse cases.
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Mr O'Donoghue: said he intends to increase sentences after meeting Ms Sorch McKenna.
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He said he had decided to act after meeting Ms McKenna, now aged 19, who has been lobbying for longer sentences after her father Vincent McKenna, the self-described "human rights activist", was jailed for three years for sexually abusing her from the age of four.
The legislation is currently with the Seanad and if passed - which could be some time in the next week - it will be made law by June.
A Department of Justice spokesman told ireland.comthat under the legislation the courts will have the power to suspend a portion of the sentence and place the convicted person under the supervision of the probation and welfare services.
The spokesman said this was partly because of the high rate of re-offending and would allow State services to monitor released offenders.
Among the proposed measures are that offenders will be required to give their name and address to the Garda - effectively creating a register of sex offenders.
Sexual assaults not including violence currently carrying a maximum sentence of five years will be increased to 10 in the case of adults and 14 years in the cases of crimes against children. Aggravated sexual assault (which includes the use of violence or the threat of violence) currently carries a maximum life sentence.
Speaking on RTÉ radio this morning the Minister said he met Ms McKenna who described her trauma in "heart-wrenching terms". Mr O'Donoghue also paid tribute to her courage.
"Victims of this kind of offence in the past and in the future owe her a debt of gratitude," he said.
Ms McKenna was abused by her father Vincent over a period of eight years.
After deciding to prosecute him and waive her right to anonymity so he could be publicly shamed, McKenna (37) of south Belfastwas convicted of 31 charges of sexual and indecent assault at Cavan Circuit Court last year.
Speaking at the time she criticised the sentence and said: "It does not reflect the crimes he committed against me. Three years is nothing in comparison to what he has done."
Additional reporting PA