The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign began this weekend on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It runs until 10 December, which is Human Rights Day. The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Everyone has the right to be free from violence. Much work is going on in the background to provide supports to women who are fleeing violence in Carlow. We are closer than ever to having a women's refuge. Carlow's Women's Aid has been giving a safe and comfortable space for women and their children to be during court hearings, which is very important. An abuse accountability seminar took place this morning in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. I was delighted to attend it. I ask everyone who can to light a candle for UNiTE on Friday, 1 December and Friday, 8 December in solidarity with those affected by domestic violence and abuse.

Deputy Murnane O'Connor said it all. The campaign is ongoing for the next 16 days and I encourage everyone to get behind it and light a candle. I am delighted to hear that progress has been made in respect of the women's refuge in Carlow. Deputy Murnane O'Connor has raised it many times.