The HSE has been urged to outline a funding plan for a sexual assault treatment unit in the Midwest.
It follows claims that gaps in services are preventing survivors in Clare from reporting sexual offences.
There are currently six Sexual Assault Treatment Units nationwide, located in Galway, Cork, Waterford, Westmeath, Dublin and Donegal.
The centres provide immediate psychological and medical care, and can store forensic evidence for up to a year.
While a Forensic Medical Examination Unit is available in Limerick, access is only possible through a Garda referral.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says it’s vitally important this changes.
Calls are now being made for the HSE to outline a funding plan for an additional Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the MidWest.
According to the CSO , just 5% of sexual assault and rape incidents are reported to Gardaí each year.
Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan believes more people would come forward if the process was less daunting.
Listen to the full interview here:
