Waterford's Garda Division appears to have had the highest number of arrests for sexual assault so far this year.
Data has been released by An Garda Síochána, via the Justice Minister, to political party, Aontú.
However, not every division in the country provided details for this year.
In Waterford up to July, 28 arrests had been made for that crime, with Limerick in second place, at 20.
Aontú spokesperson, Luke Silke has told WLR News that Waterford's arrest figures were also high last year.
"The figures for Waterford do stand out as high, when compared to other counties," he said, "So, 35 people in Waterford were arrested for sexual assault in Waterford last year and 28 people so far this year.
"As I say, that's a bit on the high side when compared with other counties.
"What I think we need to do is, we need to ensure that the system is made easier for victims to come forward and I think we also need to look at the conviction rate for sexual assault."
2020 saw the highest number of arrests made for that class of crime in Waterford over the past decade.
40 people were taken into custody, which is the highest number between 2012 and 2022.
"These are arrests," Luke continued, "but I don't think anyone would believe - if we take last year's figures as an example, 35 people in Waterford - I don't think anyone would believe that only 35 sexual assaults took place in Co Waterford last year.
"I would imagine the figure is higher.
"I thinks that's the reason why we need to examine the system as a whole and compare the number of people who report sexual assaults, the number of arrests that are made, the number of convictions and the number of court cases, to analyse them across the system."
Aontú is also calling for better funding for rape crisis centres and domestic abuse shelters, so that those who experience sexual abuse can be sure of a safe haven to go to.
