Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The hashtag #MeToo is trending as women worldwide share their experiences of sexual harassment. Hollywood has been rocked with accounts of rich and powerful men abusing their power over women and vulnerable young men. In Ireland, women in the arts are speaking out about persistent sexual harassment they have experienced. The Gate Theatre, which has been a recipient of public funds over many years, seemingly did nothing to protect the women who actually worked for it and in it. What is becoming clear from all these examples is that sexual harassment is a universal experience. Every single woman in this country and non-binary people know the stomach-churning feeling brought about by unwanted sexual advances and remarks. Such harassment has an enormous impact on the self-confidence, health and self-esteem of women. In that context, why did the Taoiseach trivialise this issue when he was asked about it and use it as an opportunity to score a point against political opponents? When asked if such a culture existed in Leinster House, where hundreds of women work in countless capacities, the Taoiseach chose instead to talk about his experience of being interrupted by men and women from the Opposition. In doing so, he belittled a serious issue and made it about himself. He managed to turn #MeToo into #MéFéin.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach made a comment saying inappropriate, boorish and obnoxious behaviour does not necessarily constitute bullying or sexual assault, but so-called low-level behaviour creates a culture of tolerance and acceptance of violence against women generally. It should be called out. Why else would sexual harassment, rape and domestic violence be all so under-reported? Only 13 cases of sexual harassment were taken through the Workplace Relations Commission in 2016, yet in an EU survey of Irish women, it is indicated that 48% have been sexually harassed since the age of 15 while 39% have experienced severe forms.

Are we to rely completely on the Internet for women to come out and disclose this? Alternatively, is this State going to take measures to gauge the real extent of sexual abuse and harassment? Does the Taoiseach take this seriously enough to commission a report now on sexual abuse and violence in Ireland, SAVI? Such a report has not been produced in this country for 15 years. Does it not say something about the priorities of this State that no such report has been produced because it would cost €1 million, although the Taoiseach's new department of propaganda costs the taxpayer €5 million? Is it not shocking that Rape Crisis Network Ireland cannot produce any figures for 2016 because it had its funding cut by 70% in 2015? Does the Taoiseach take this issue seriously enough to carry out a SAVI study now? Will he properly fund agencies and refuges combating violence against women? Does he believe a nationwide campaign about consent is now necessary in schools, colleges and workplaces to send a message of zero tolerance of this type of harassment?

See this speech in context