Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. Apologies, but a launch report is happening at 11.30 a.m. and I hoped to get in to speak before leaving but I will try to come back. I thank all the witnesses for the amazing work they are doing. The work they do is absolutely powerful. It is people like them who are working on the ground who are making the changes and I thank them for that. I am inclined to agree with the previous speakers, both our Chair and Deputy Smith, who have said we have a lot of work to do.

Both questions asked were about how we can ensure the participation of marginalised groups in discussions on constitutional change. I imagine that for women on the island of Ireland, the most important thing is that it comes from here, that is, it comes from Leinster House and from our Government and that we present a safe place for them to be able to open up and share how they would like to see it. That should definitely come from here. The way to do that is by planning and preparing, which is something that almost is my constant narrative. What work do the witnesses think our Government and we here in Leinster House need to do for those marginalised groups, particularly women? This is bearing in mind that women live in a very violent society.

I was very shocked by what Reverend Sethuraman said about the report of the Northern Ireland Executive Office on violence against women that 98% of women suffer abuse. That is absolutely shocking and I am sorry to say I was not aware of that. What does our Government need to do to create a safe space for women? This is really important. It must be a priority in a new Ireland, both North and South. That is the first thing. We must also encourage those marginalised groups and women to tell us what they want to be able to say. I believe it comes from here. We have a responsibility here in Leinster House to create that space. Could the witnesses say a little more on that? Reverend Sethuraman might want to start, bearing in mind that she cited the report.