The final debate in the Chamber prior to the Christmas recess involved statements opposing domestic violence. It followed an event outside Leinster House on 20 November in memory of the 78 women and children who had been murdered by their partners or former partners.

Agencies tell us that the Christmas period was the worst on record for domestic violence against women - the word "unprecedented" was used - with high levels of physical and sexual violence. Many of these activities were carried out in front of children. We know this is an ongoing problem in society and that there is a culture of silence around it.

We accept that in the main, men are the perpetrators. They are the problem. However, I and others believe men must also be part of the solution. Therefore, today I want to highlight the gaps in services for men who are violent and the gaps in services to prevent violent behaviour. I acknowledge the work of MOVE, men overcoming violence, but there is a need for a dedicated helpline, support groups and a campaign of awareness of the help available. It is vital men are encouraged to acknowledge abusive behaviour and to try to prevent it. This will benefit the person, his family and the community.

I call for a commitment in the House on this. I suggest we start by looking at a pilot programme in this area that will support the work of MOVE, which is not a nationwide programme. We have Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, but its work is concentrated on the victims, a service which is badly needed. However, if we want to stop the cycle of violence, men must be involved. I ask for the various Departments and Cosc to take this on board and that they have the Taoiseach's support on it.

This issue is a cause for shame in our country and those who inflict domestic violence on women bring shame to the nation. I have met with a number of groups working in this area. The Minister met with all of the groups recently and some moneys have been allocated directly to them for dealing with the problem. The Istanbul convention will be signed and new legislation introduced. The issue of domestic violence is a high priority for the Garda. Having spoken to members of the Garda and having looked at the number of call-outs on domestic violence incidents throughout the country, I know violence against women is a terrible blight on society.

This is a priority issue. The Istanbul convention will be signed and a new package of legislation will be introduced in this area. I accept the Deputy's point regarding the need for a helpline and support group. Some moneys have been provided directly for dealing with the issue and recently a meeting of all of the groups involved was held with a view to getting their views and proposals on how best to deal with the issue.

It is positive that there is some movement on this, but the signing of the Istanbul convention will not be enough in itself unless there is proactive engagement on preventing and making unacceptable this type of violent behaviour. Also, those who want help must be able to access that help.

Women are the main victims, but there are increasing numbers of men are suffering domestic violence. There is a particular shame and culture of secrecy in regard to this being acknowledged by men. The organisation Amen tries to support men in this situation. There is nowhere for the abused man and his children to go. We do not have enough refuges for women and children, but there are no refuges for abused men with children who need shelter. I call for the Government to do what it can for abused people, regardless of gender, so that the victim does not have to leave the family home.

Extensive research has been carried out and a report issued at a seminar in December on restorative and transformative possibilities. The report suggests that sexual crime could be included in this regard. It had been felt that sexual crime was not suitable for restorative justice practices. I ask for this to be examined. I would like a response from our national office, Cosc, on the issues I have raised today in regard to male violence, men who are abused and victims. We must be more proactive in regard to victims to ensure they do not have to leave the family home in these situations.

These matters will be dealt with as crimes. I accept the Deputy's point that signing a convention does not mean the issue will be dealt with and will not happen again. All of the groups were invited by the Minister to attend the seminar recently in Dublin Castle to get their views on a programme of action to be put in place. This is being followed through. Also, the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will report on the hearings it held in February this year following a number of submissions regarding domestic and sexual violence. The Minister for Justice and Equality will take the committee recommendations seriously when available and will consider them in the context of the proposals that came from Dublin Castle.

Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, is an executive office of the Department of Justice and Equality and it is driving the implementation of the national strategy on dealing with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in the programme for 2010-2014. The office has commenced a review of that, with a view to devising a new strategy. This will mean new legislation. Cosc's role is to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence from the perspective of a number of Departments and it endeavours to facilitate co-ordination across the areas of justice, housing, health, education, family support and the community sector. We are well aware of the issues.

The recommendations from the Oireachtas committee and from the groups that participated at Dublin Castle will play an important part in regard to the Minister being able to set out a programme for action. A number of the groups were funded directly from the Department of Justice and Equality, with a view to providing information and education. Hopefully, the committee recommendations and the group proposals will enable the Minister to put in place an effective programme of action to deal with this issue and allow her to sign the Istanbul convention and keep it a priority for the Garda to implement.