Violence against women debate
Bríd Smith asked for a serious session next week on violence against women, citing the international day and rising physical and sexual violence.
I want to draw the attention of the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip to the fact that on Saturday the world will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As this House does not sit on Saturday, it is unfortunate that we will not have a session on it this week. I ask the Business Committee to guarantee that we have a serious session next week on the elimination of violence against women during the UN week to mark it internationally. This is particularly important given that there has been a very disturbing increase in the level of physical and sexual violence against women in Ireland. One in three women over the age of 15, report experiencing it at some point.