Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Recent media reports indicate an increasing level of domestic violence, 30% in some areas. Shockingly, in my own area of Tipperary, calls from distressed women, in the main to Cuan Saor refuge centre in Clonmel, increased by 100% in the month of May. The number of calls went from 82 in January to 165 in May. This is very concerning. These absolutely shocking statistics illustrate just how much the level of violence has increased during this lockdown. The lockdown had an enormous impact on our economy, which is one thing, but also on human life from the cradle to the grave, mental health, domestic violence and God knows what. The sooner we get out of it, the better. Within the level of demand, the organisations must be supported. They are heavily dependent on fundraising but could not do fundraising in recent times. I compliment John and Liz Nallen of Hotel Minella, Clonmel, who held a number of drive-through concerts fundraising for different organisations. The last one was for Cuan Saor in Clonmel. A very enjoyable day was had by the volunteers there. I salute also Geraldine Mullane, manager, and Verona, Lynne, Breda and all the team at Cuan Saor in Clonmel. They do remarkable work. They normally have a music event in September under the arches in Clonmel. I do not know if they can have it this year. They would expect to bring in €13,000 to €15,000. It depends on the goodwill of the people. The Government should be doing this.

I am pleased to note that following campaigning from Safe Ireland, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, whom I compliment - she is retiring - has done a lot of work in government since she lost her seat in dealing with the rent allowance. That will free up places in these refuge centres, which are as scarce as hen's teeth. That will free up people who will not be holding on to the beds when they can get rent allowance without issues in respect of the name on the family home and all that, which were very difficult. The income support to women and children in urgent need of accommodation is very serious.

I also welcome the setting up of the Garda special Operation Faoiseamh on domestic abuse. That is a great initiative. In Tipperary there was great take-up by the members from sections in our towns such as Tipperary, Clonmel and different places. They were willing. Indeed, Detective Garda Horkan has been praised for the work he did. I heard his retired former inspector praising him as well. They do great work. It is a difficult, sensitive area with children and families. It must be rooted out, as must the abuse against men, which is getting quite prevalent also. I have to deal with some cases of that as well. While I welcome the many rape crisis and refuge centres committed to in the programme for Government, will they be delivered? They have to be.

Covid-19 has certainly brought much-needed attention to the scale of domestic violence in the country and must be an opportunity to focus on it. It must be stamped out. People have said it is learned behaviour and maybe it is, I do not know what causes it but it is the most horrific, heinous crime. The bullying, silent intimidation and subtle behaviour reaching down to money and everything else must be dealt with. We need the resources to do it. These rape crisis centres such as Cuan Saor in Clonmel are overwhelmed with work. They do tremendous work. It is the only place people have to turn to and it takes great courage for the women to take that step, especially if they have a young family, to be in there in a small area and out of the family home, and threats may still be coming through the telephone and through all kinds of sinister ways of threatening and intimidating a partner, whether they be male or female, but mainly it is the women who suffer. The staff of many of these services took a huge cut of 12.5% in the last cuts and they have not been restored, despite numerous requests to Tusla. This must be addressed as we move forward. We cannot expect them to continue providing that service day in, day out on those kind of cuts. I note that the programme for Government is not talking about any tax cuts now but we will have to see how far that gets us. These people should be brought up to a decent level of service. They provide a tremendous service, as the Minister knows. We all know it from dealing with families that we have referred to them. I urge the Minister to give them support and try to restore some of the salaries to these wonderful angels of mercy.

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