Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with my four colleagues. The consequences of the global lockdown of 2020 are, at present, not fully known. We can see how damaging some aspects of it have been, such as the damage to our economy, our medical systems and people's health. There are other repercussions, however, of which we are still unaware. I spoke previously in the House about my concern as to the impact the lockdown was having on children and young people, but another area where it is having significant impact is that of domestic violence and abuse. I think we are unaware, at this stage, of the full extent of impact of the lockdown on domestic violence in this country. Regrettably, it appears there has been a significant increase in the incidence of domestic violence since the lockdown commenced.

It must be a nightmare for any woman - to a large extent and by a significant majority, it is women - to find herself living in an abusive relationship in an abusive and violent environment. That problem will have been accentuated by the lockdown that has just occurred. Women in those circumstances now find themselves at home, in their house or flat, with their abusive partner, who now has nowhere to go out to and who is probably consuming alcohol at home. There is a high correlation between alcohol consumption and domestic abuse. We have to be very vigilant to ensure that the State and the services funded by it are available for women who are victims of domestic violence.

This morning, the Minister, Deputies Martin Kenny and O'Gorman, and I spoke in the Chamber about the impact of gangland crime on our society and how dangerous it is.

We should recall that the Garda Commissioner reminded us at the end of last year that in the preceding three years, the rate of homicide related to domestic violence was twice that of homicide related to gangland violence. This is a problem as significant as gangland violence, yet the State is not responding adequately to it.

I want to recognise what is contained in the draft programme for Government that may be ratified by the membership of the Green Party, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the coming days. Irrespective of whether others in the House want to see it ratified, there is a section in it on domestic violence with which every Member and party in this House would agree. Page 86 sets out that there is an epidemic of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in this country. It is important that we recognise that in this House because, unless we do, we will not be able to respond to it. The Minister was correct in referring to the very brave daughters of James O'Reilly, who was recently convicted. They went through an horrific experience for very large parts of their lives. It is astonishing that he was able to get away with what he did for a period of 20 years without his crimes being brought to the attention of the State and the prosecution authorities. We need to learn from that. We need to ensure structures are in place in order that women can know where to go to avail of the protection of the State if they are domestically abused.

I received a very interesting email from Ms Emma Reidy, chief executive officer of Aoibhneas, which is one of 39 domestic violence services across the country that are members of Safe Ireland. Ms Reidy makes the point that we need a whole-of-government approach to responding to domestic violence. She seeks to have a Minister appointed to deal with the issue. This was discussed at talks. It is potentially a good idea because, at present, part of the problem is that responsibility for domestic violence is spread over a variety of Departments. As I am sure the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, will be aware, responsibility must extend beyond his Department. We need to recognise the extent of this problem. We need to recognise that is has worsened during the lockdown and that we, as a State, are responsible for ensuring that we respond adequately to it.

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