Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Almost four months ago to the day, I used my time during Leaders' Questions to raise the very serious issue of domestic violence. More specifically, I raised the failure of the Government to provide funding of approximately €1 million to review the groundbreaking study that was carried out in 2002, indicating over 3,000 victims of violence generally. This confirmed the extraordinary prevalence of violence in Irish society. Since then, the Taoiseach has presided over a budget that utterly failed and fails to grasp the seriousness of the issue or make any provision to deal with the extent of domestic violence and its pervasive and detrimental effect not only on women and children but also on society at every level. Simultaneously, the Taoiseach has provided €5 million for a strategic communications unit. He did so notwithstanding the urgent representations from SAFE Ireland, which represents over 30 organisations on the ground that are more than familiar with the catastrophe owing to violence generally, particularly domestic violence. It pointed out that 4,831 requests for a safe place or refuge - a massive number - were refused last year. It pointed out that we are dealing with the tip of the iceberg, and that 79% of women do not report abuse. It pointed out that there is no such thing as a typical victim. Domestic violence affects those of every social class, age and level of education. It pointed out that domestic violence is rarely a once-off event. One in every three women experiences severe psychological violence, and over 12,500, comprising almost 10,000 women and approximately 3,000 plus children, attended for a safe refuge. The organisation also pointed out that there is a serious lack of safe havens.

I would really appreciate it if the Taoiseach listened because he accuses the Opposition of interrupting him and giving false facts. I am confining my remarks to outlining the facts of the experts on the ground. Where is the Cabinet sub-committee that the Taoiseach's colleague and former Taoiseach promised to set up? Where is the leadership in respect of this issue, which is costing the economy a minimum of €2.5 billion per year? Where is the Taoiseach's leadership in helping people to avail themselves of the benefits of his so-called "Republic of opportunities"? If the Taoiseach does not have an answer and comes back to me, I will respect that, but he should not give me sanctimonious rhetoric in regard to this matter. He should clarify why there is no Cabinet sub-committee and how he can stand over giving €5 million for a spin unit and not giving €1 million to review a report on sexual abuse and violence in Ireland. He should please tell me he will read SAFE Ireland's findings, work with it and come back here with a plan and timescale.

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