Istanbul Convention legislation
Fiona O’Loughlin asked when legislation needed to fully implement the Istanbul Convention would be brought forward, particularly on data, reporting and support services. The Taoiseach welcomed ratification, stressed the need to tackle violence against women, and said the Justice Minister would reply on the specific legislation.
I am thankful for the hand of Mark Killilea on your shoulder, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
Comment on this
Monday saw the entry into force of the Istanbul Convention or the Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. That is very welcome and somewhat overdue. In order to meet the State's obligations, legislation must come into force in a number of areas, in particular legislation concerning efficient and proper data collection and the reporting mechanism, which are necessary changes to protect victims and children. The final one is access to specific and specialist support services.
Currently, Ireland has only one third of the number of domestic violence refuges-----
Comment on this
Could the Taoiseach please advise me when we will be able to consider introducing the specific legislation to ensure the true ratification of the Istanbul Convention?
Comment on this
I also welcome the fact we were in a position to ratify the Istanbul Convention on 1 July. There is an epidemic of violence against women in this State and around the world, and it needs to end. Our ratification of the convention is part of the effort to tackle it. On the update on the specific legislation the Deputy raises, I will have to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, to correspond with her. One thing in particular we want to do when it comes to providing refuges for women and families forced to leave their homes is change things so it is the abuser who gets kicked out of the home. That is the way it should be.