Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is going to be evaluated and reviewed on a continual basis. There is an opportunity for all in this area to be involved, including NGOs. Presentations were made and discussions took place with them before this campaign began. That will happen again in future. We should not underestimate the importance of an awareness campaign. I am not suggesting we do not need to continually improve services.

I am disappointed at the particular story Deputy Coppinger told relating to An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner has prioritised this area. More training and more dedicated resources are in place. The Garda have been involved in this campaign. Some members of the force have been trained and all have been made aware that this campaign is going on and that more referrals are likely.

I agree with Deputy Coppinger that there is a bad history of response to domestic violence. However, I believe there have been major improvements. If we put the victim at the centre – something we must do under the victims directive and the new victims legislation – then we should see improvement in the services to victims and we should see domestic violence being taken seriously.

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