More judges need to be appointed in Irish courts to avoid the "unacceptable delay" seen in a Midlands rape trial.
That's according to former chair of the National Women's Council, Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop.
She was speaking after five men, who subjected a then 17-year-old girl to a violent and prolonged sexual attack in 2016, have been jailed for a combined total of 66 years.
Ms Dunlop told The Hard Shoulder justice should not take so long.
"That was an absolutely shocking case - and that 17-year-old girl has shown tremendous courage.
"And it's awful that on top of what she had had to endure - those awful crimes visited upon her - but she had to endure waiting since I think it was 2016 that that attack happened.
"And here we are in 2022... that is an unacceptable delay in her getting to court and getting justice.
"I'm glad at the end of the day that she has got the justice... but to have had to wait that length of time is absolutely unacceptable".
She says the Government needs to do more to speed this up.
"We need more judges in our courts because they've got such long lists.
"We've been reading about the District Court and the Circuit Court - the long lists that the judges have.
"The sexual violence is usually in the Central Criminal Court, but the delays are unacceptable.
"I would urge that, and call for, more judges to be appointed to all the courts.
"Justice delayed is justice denied, we know that".
Ms Dunlop adds that the woman in the Midlands case "has given other women courage, and other victims courage to come forward.
"But let's not be waiting this length of time to get justice anymore.
"I'm calling on the Government to ensure that we get more judges appointed".
If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, you can contact the National 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 77 8888.
