Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What Deputy Brendan Howlin has raised here is a litany of shame and cowardice on the part of those who inflict violence on women. Those who do so are not macho and should be ashamed of themselves because they bring shame on our country.

We should have the opportunity to have the report debated here in the House. The Tánaiste was at the launch of the report this morning. I have every sympathy with Deputy Howlin's proposal for an amendment so protection may be given to victims of this kind of crime. We have set out a range of priorities for legislation. Some are quite immediate in terms of issues I have already addressed. I will advise Deputy Howlin on the programme for legislating in respect of the criminal justice (victims of crime) Bill.

On the Deputy's request in respect of coverage for the 24/7 helpline, it seems that it should, of course, be available. I do not know the costs involved but I am sure a case could be made that would bring it about. If the making of a call would protect one person fearing for her life, the helpline will have to be considered.

The report reflects a hidden, dark Ireland that needs to be dealt with and exposed. Those who inflict the kind of brutality in question on womenfolk should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

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