The Taoiseach says he hopes victims of rape will not be put off coming forward following a sentencing yesterday.

A 72-year-old man - who had repeatedly raped his daughter walked free from court when most of the sentence was suspended.

Patrick O'Brien received a 12-year sentence with 9-years suspended.

He may yet have to serve 3 years but will remain free as granted bail yesterday pending an appeal.

Mr. Justice Paul Carney said it was one of the worst cases of abuse of a daughter one could find.

Calls for sentencing council

After the hearing the Mr. O'Brien's daughter Fiona Doyle said she was devastated at the sentence.

It has come in for widespread criticism with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre describing it as too lenient.

While Fianna Fail is calling for the introduction of a sentencing council similar to the one in operation in Britain.

Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins says a sentencing council made up of Judges and lay people could lead to more consistency.

Dáil rules prevent criticism of a sentence of the courts.

Enda Kenny said he hoped the Court of Criminal Appeal would deal with the case urgently.

He also praised what he said was Fiona Doyle's courage in going public.