Domestic and sexual violence strategy
Deputy Farrell asked about the forthcoming national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The Taoiseach said it was a key Government priority and would be pursued through the relevant Ministers and parallel measures.
I want to raise the national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence 2016-21, which has rightly focused on awareness and education in recent years. Given recent events that I myself experienced along with thousands of men, women and children up and down the State, both reported and unreported, will the Government and the Taoiseach outline the proposals for the new national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which is scheduled for publication soon?
Comment on this
It is very difficult to answer both in 30 seconds. It is a fairly complex lacuna that Deputy Kenny was outlining. I will certainly pursue the issue between the two Departments and talk to both Ministers in respect of the legislative requirement. There is an issue that needs to be developed and explored to see if we can do this in a proper, regulated way.
With regard to Deputy Farrell’s point, this is a key issue for the Government and for the Ministers involved, in particular the Minister for Justice, in respect not just of the implementation of the strategy but a whole range of parallel measures that we have to introduce to deal with gender-based violence and domestic violence. There is a comprehensive agenda ahead of Government and that was reflected in the increased resources in the recent budget.