Naomi Long

The pilot scheme fulfils one of the recommendations of retired Court of Appeal judge Sir John Gillen’s high-profile review of the law and procedures in serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland, which was published nearly two years ago.

SOLAs will be available from 1 April 2021 via a pilot scheme delivered through Victim Support NI, Mrs Long said in response to a written question in Stormont.

The minister said: “SOLAs will provide advice in relation to the disclosure of evidence, the use of previous sexual history and will ensure that their clients’ interests and wishes are communicated to the Public Prosecution Service.”

There has also been significant progress in introducing remote evidence centres, which were also recommended by the Gillen review.

Mrs Long said: “Two interim remote evidence centres, one in Craigavon and the other in Belfast, are now ready for use and will commence operations as soon as suitable cases are identified.

“These facilities will provide victims and witnesses with a less daunting environment from which to give evidence and eliminate any chance of encountering the defendant or their family in court.”

She added: “Work continues in regard to the provision of appropriate training for justice partners; improving relationship and sexuality education for children and young people; and enhancing the existing protocol to expedite serious sexual offence cases involving children under 13 years.

“I also intend to bring forward legislation in this mandate to bring into effect a number of Gillen recommendations.”