All those accused of sexual offences should be granted anonymity for the duration of their trial, a new report says.
Dedicated sex crime units in all Garda stations and a public awareness campaign on consent are also recommended in the O’Malley report, which was published this morning.
The review of protections for vulnerable witnesses began following the high-profile trial of Ireland international rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, who were acquitted of rape.
The defendant in the case was named on social media as the general public were allowed to attend the trial in Belfast.
The review, chaired by NUI Galway law lecturer Tom O’Malley, contains 50 recommendations aimed at boosting rights and legal protections for victims of sex crimes.
Many of the recommendations can come into force without the need for statutory change.
Former Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan called for the report to examine how vulnerable witnesses and defendants are treated throughout the process of prosecuting sexual offences.
Free legal aid for rape victims is also among the 50 recommendations.
Current Minister Helen McEntee vowed to rollout Garda Divisional Protective Services Units across every division over the next two months for tackling sexual violence, human trafficking, child abuse and domestic abuse.
She also pledged to bring a detailed plan on putting the new proposals into action before Government within 10 weeks.
Ms McEntee said: “We must work together to tackle and reduce the levels of these terrible crimes.
“Where an offence is committed, and where a wrong is done, we must ensure that all the necessary supports are in place so that victims will feel safe and supported when they come forward.
"I want the victims of sexual crimes to know that they will be listened to, that they will be treated with respect and dignity, and that they will be supported throughout the process.
“And I want the perpetrators of such crimes to know the crime they commit will be reported, will be investigated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Other actions that will be “immediately prioritised” include the rolling out of a public awareness campaign around the meaning of consent.
