Dublin west TD Ruth Coppinger has took aim at the Government for failing to address sexual violence in Ireland claiming that "famous sports celebrities [are] strutting around with impunity, despite sexual assault allegations".
The Irish Solidarity–People Before Profit politician has previously raised the issue in the Dail that alleged rape victims were not being believed in the courtrooms.
Speaking during leaders’ questions, the Dublin TD asked Leo Varadkar: "Is it any wonder we have reports of famous sports celebrities strutting around with impunity, despite sexual assault allegations.
"Are women to go into hiding every time such a figure decides on a night out?"
She added: "On the three counts of how complainants are treated in court, funding and education you have failed abysmally over the last year.
In late 2018, Coppinger held up a thong in the Dail to protest the treatment of alleged rape victims in court.
She raised the issue of “rape myths” after one jury in a recent case at the time was asked to consider the fact that the victim was wearing a thong at the time of the alleged assault.
While holding up the underwear she said: “How do you think a rape victim feels?
“How heroic do you have to be Taoiseach, to pursue a rape trial in this country?,” she asked.
She also asked why it was acceptable to hold up and discuss underwear in courtrooms.
In October, a famous Irish sports star already under investigation for rape was alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in a car near a west Dublin pub.
It is understood that the woman made a complaint to gardai the following morning after the alleged attack.
Gardai said in a statement at the time: "Gardaí in Crumlin are investigating an alleged sexual assault of a woman that occurred, Friday 11th October, 2019 at approximately 9pm on Drimnagh Road, Dublin 12.
"Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time. Owing to the nature of the investigation we will not be commenting further at this time."
It’s understood that the same well known sports star is being investigated for the alleged rape of a woman at a Dublin hotel back in December 2018.
A file on that investigation is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosections.
It’s understood the woman, in her 20s, was allegedly attacked in a hotel room after socialising with friends in south Dublin.
She was taken to the Rotunda Hospital’s Sexual Assault Treatment Unit.
Officers at a south Dublin garda station are investigating the incident that is believed to have happened at a hotel.
No arrests have yet been made and investigations are ongoing.
