Domestic violence legislation and funding
Gerry Adams asks when the consolidated domestic violence Bill will be produced and whether funding for the Rape Crisis Network will be restored; the Taoiseach gives timelines for the Bill and related international protection and direct provision reports.
There is now a major crisis following the decision of Tusla to end funding for Rape Crisis Network Ireland. When will the Government produce the reformed and consolidated domestic violence Bill, finally honouring this commitment? Will the Government review the decision on funding for the Rape Crisis Network?
Comment on this
The heads of the domestic violence Bill are expected very shortly. The heads of the international protection Bill were cleared on 24 March, so it is on its way through the system and should not be too far away.
The Minister informed the Government this morning that she expects to have the report from Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon in two weeks. That will be published and we will have a debate in the House on it.