Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Connolly for raising this important issue in the House and assure her and the House of the Government's deep commitment to taking action against gender-based violence, sexual violence and domestic violence which all of us condemn and abhor.

The SAVI study was done in 2002, which as the Deputy stated, was 15 years ago. I am told there have been European studies that have given us some statistical evidence in this area since then and, of course, the priority over the past 15 years has been the development of services, many of which have improved considerably - for example, additional refuges, new legislation in this field and also additional funding for many of the organisations that provide support to those who are affected by gender-based violence.

It is a matter under consideration at present as to whether we have a second SAVI study. I agree that 15 years is a long time and a big gap to leave between two studies. It is costed at roughly €1 million, which is a considerable amount of money. Of course, it could be argued that €1 million would be better put into services and enforcement rather than into studies. However, that is something that needs to be considered by Government across different Departments because in order to plan services well, one needs good information and good statistics. It is certainly something that I will discuss with Ministers.

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