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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Gender-based violence strategy

Summary

Grace Boland asked whether the Government would continue work on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The Taoiseach said major progress had been made, reaffirmed the new Minister's commitment and said the programme for government prioritised refuges and related services.

We know that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is an epidemic in this country. The research bears this out, the reports from the Garda bear it out and I have no doubt that we have all listened to the experiences of constituents. It is still a great taboo in this country. It is not spoken about openly but it is something we urgently need to address. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, made great strides in this area in her previous role as Minister for Justice and we need to continue that work. Does the Taoiseach agree that the Government needs to continue the Minister's work, urgently deliver on the programme for Government commitments to appoint specialised judges for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and deliver enhanced training for gardaí and those working in the DPP’s office so that we can better support victims? The Taoiseach might give me an update on this work and a timeline to deliver on these commitments.

Comment on this

Very significant work was undertaken by the last Government and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in respect of gender-based violence. Indeed, I would have launched the first strategy as Taoiseach with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. The Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, is absolutely committed to continuing to progress this agenda in government. The programme for Government is very clear in respect of the prioritisation of this issue, particularly in terms of refuge services and centres, which I think we need to accelerate progress on.

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