Mr. Colm Kelly Ryan:

We can turn specifically to the recommendations of the citizens' assembly, and from there follow up with some questions on the submissions. On recommendation 37 under the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, there is a commitment from Government to create a new statutory body that will be co-ordinated by the Minister for Justice, which will have direct responsibility for implementation of the strategy. This aligns quite well with what is proposed by the citizens' assembly in recommendation 37 in section 1 of the draft national strategy. It was supplemented by our submission on section 2 to the Department.

Regarding recommendation 38, we believe that the recommendation needs to be extended beyond current expression. The training should be based on the prevention of the Istanbul Convention. It should also include the role of men and boys in engaging them in the most appropriate ways as allies for gender equality and ending gender-based violence. At this stage in Ireland, that has yet to take place. It would be very innovative in terms of promoting a gender equal society.

In regard to recommendation 39 on supporting victims and survivors, Men's Development Ireland acknowledges and welcomes sub-recommendations A to E, as recommended by the citizens' assembly. We note the overlaps with the objections of the third national strategy. I refer to advancing justice for the victims and survivors of domestic, gender-based and sexual violence not only in their engagement with the institutions of justice but also ensuring long-term sustainable justice for victims and survivors.

We would also recommend the inclusion of an option for the development of restorative justice or practice processes, where appropriate.

Furthermore, MDN supports recommendation 40 as presented. We would encourage that such a provision be as inclusive as possible to all genders and to their children, with due regard to the fact that the majority of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are women. It is important to note that the Istanbul Convention recommends one shelter space to every 10,000 people in Ireland, and that Ireland currently does not have that number. There has been much work done, but much is still to be done.

I take guidance on recommendation 41 from our friends from AkiDwA. I welcome what they have stated here this morning. I would like to note that various UNHCR publications, such as the Too Much Pain document from 2014, indicate that FGM is a ground for seeking asylum. This is supported by a wide range of jurisprudence in case law from common law countries and countries in Europe, such as France, as cited in our submission. I note that in the wording of the recommendation, there is some concern in relation to FGM as a ground for seeking asylum. We know that asylum is a fundamental human right. It is a fundamental human right to seek asylum. I urge that we would state here that FGM is actually a ground for refugee status, rather than a ground for seeking asylum. This is because it is fundamental human right.

I thank the committee and I look forward to questions from members.