DR MICHAEL Harty, TD, has expressed his shock at the alleged rape of an elderly woman in broad daylight in Ennis.
A 49-year-old Mayo man was questioned over the alleged incident in which a 75-year-old woman claims to have been raped after being lured into a car outside Ennis library last Thursday.
“I am shocked and appalled that such a vile attack could be made on an elderly woman. As a doctor, my principal concern is that she receives the best possible care and attention. That the alleged rape should happen in broad daylight in Ennis beggars belief. The Gardai have responded swiftly and efficiently action leading to an arrest. This is I hope an isolated incident and we should have confidence in the Gardai to protect us and I know they are treating the incident with the greatest concern,” said the Kilmihil doctor.
It is claimed the man brought his alleged victim to a car park behind Ennis Swimming Pool where the alleged rape took place. The suspect has been questioned at a Mayo garda station and released without charge while a file is being sent to the DPP.
Dr Harty added, “I spoke in the Dáil recently on sexual crime and said such crime is abhorrent and women who are the victims of it are extremely sensitive. Sexual assault not just involves a physical assault, it also involves a deep psychological assault. The latter can have life-changing consequences for the women involved and It is very important that women be encouraged to bring closure in respect of assaults they have endured in order that they can carry on with their lives. Sexual crime has a deep psychological effect on women and can affect their lives far into the future. It is very difficult to quantify the psychological effects of rape. As a result, it is very important that women be allowed to achieve closure.
“Every person in Co. Clare is upset that this has happened. For the moment, let us offer her our full support and wish her well in recovering from this awful ordeal.”
