Updated: 15.05

A number of rallies are taking place around the country calling for better supports for people who have reported rapes.

Demonstrations are taking place in Dublin, Cork, Galway Limerick and Belfast.

Thousands gathered in Dublin calling for an overhaul of the justice system when it comes to people who report rapes.

As well as this, demonstrators say more education is needed on the issue of consent.

TD Ruth Coopinger (right) joined protesters who marched from City Hall to the Department of Justice in support of victims of sexual assault and rape | Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

One of the organisers of the protest is Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger.

"There has to be education throughout society about what consent is, what rape is - consent can't be assumed, it has to be sought for.

"But our Government needs to be doing a lot more to educate people, and in particular in schools."

These marches follow a number of demonstrations that took place across the country on Thursday.

These people who marched to the Department of Justice say the message is clear.

One man said: "Well the key issue is really consent and the meaning of consent - we need to educate, particularly young people.

"The education needs to start now".

A woman said: "Just in regards to recent events all over the world, with 'Me Too' (and) 'Time's Up', I feel like we need to come out in solidarity and stand together".