The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says the level of sexual violence in Ireland is still "disturbing". 

Ms Fitzgerald was speaking at the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's annual report, which showed a 30% rise in first-time callers.

On average, 25 calls seeking help after a rape or assault were made every day last year - with almost a quarter of all contacts made by men.

Despite the increase in calls, only 36% of cases where reporting status was known were brought up with the gardaí.

Ms Fitzgerald says she is pleased that people are coming forward, but she is disturbed by the level rape and sexual assaults.

In total, they handled just over 12,000 counselling contacts in the year - of which more than 9,000 were genuine.

76% of those who got in touch were female, while the remaining 24% were male.

CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop says the statistics are "quite worrying".

"We need [a new report to see] if this is a rise in the crime, or if more people are coming forward. I would hope it is more people are feeling confident in coming forward and reporting this crime," she told Ivan on Newstalk Breakfast.

Alongside the helpline, she explained the centre also offers "a comprehensive service, for victims of recent rapes and for victims of childhood sexual abuse".

Mrs O'Malley-Dunlop says she is hoping the government will properly fund their funding organisation Tusla, the child and family agency. She explained it can be challenging providing adequate support to victims during often lengthy court proceedings.

"I'm very pleased [Garda] Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has set up 26 victim support offices around the country - that will definitely help keep victims in the system," she added.