Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The lockdown has been a challenge for many people but for victims of domestic abuse it has been hell. Their sanctuary is not their home. They find sanctuary when they find space away from home, and they have been robbed of that for months. Many people spent lockdown walking on eggshells to avoid violent and dangerous outbursts. Calls to Saoirse Womens Refuge in south Dublin doubled in May. Thankfully, their newest refuge, which opened in Rathcoole just six months ago, has provided much-needed safety and stability for six families. I attended its opening with mixed emotions. I was pleased that this facility was being provided for people who needed it but I was really sad that so many people, unfortunately, need that level of refuge.

Just as this Covid-19 crisis has escalated, the public's response to it has escalated also. Vital funds for Safe Ireland are being raised as we speak in this Chamber by 39 Irish female singers who, in solidarity with victims of domestic abuse, came together to release a truly powerful rendition of "Dreams". Their support and the support of the members of the Garda, social workers, organisations like Saoirse and Women's Aid, which I met recently, and the support of the Minister, is to be commended. His Department prioritised this issue during the crisis. Prominent TV and online advertisements did more than just provide information. They provided hope of a brighter, safer future and hope that help is available and is not going away, despite the crisis.

While the Covid-19 crisis is slowly fading, the scourge of domestic abuse is not. It shows no signs of abating. The chilling statistics from a Union of Students in Ireland study released just this year show shockingly high levels of sexual assault, suggesting that this problem is an issue for the next generation also. It is clear that we need a long-term strategy to tackle this scourge head on.

There have been many calls for a dedicated junior Ministry within the Department of Justice and Equality to focus on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Will the Minister outline his views on this?

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