Ms Amy Hassett:

We have frequently spoken about data being missing. From our perspective and based on our work, universities have been one of the most significant sources of data that we can find. Universities often collect data in a way that it is both qualitative and quantitative. For example, on gender-based violence, the University of Galway released a sexual experiences survey in 2020 which we used in our work. The Re(al) Productive Justice project is incredible source of data for us. Universities have the capacity to provide a detailed look at different things. It is certainly a model I would like to see used elsewhere.

As Senator Clonan said, we are working on our own resources. We are currently in conversation with multiple bodies to try to access things like hybrid meetings and get resources to attend meetings. We are often asked to appear at different committees and be part of different groups. Often when we ask for reasonable accommodation, we are not answered or it becomes a big undertaking.

Sexual violence centres, Traveller and ethnic minority, and LGBTQIA+ organisations are other sources of data for us. If we could see that replicated in other areas, we would be doing very well.

In terms of engagement in the past, I do not think that we as DWI, have been consulted or asked to participate with the CSO, but hopefully as we mentioned earlier that is something we can work on in future.