Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since my appointment as Minister, I have significantly prioritised tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims. I assure the Deputy that I am working collectively with my colleagues and with our partners to address the immediate needs of victims of domestic abuse and, going forward, to put in place a system designed and built around their needs.

With regard to his specific question about measures to combat increased incidents of domestic abuse in Cork, as I have said, our collective approach is a national one, but this includes working to make sure appropriate supports are in place for victims wherever they live. I will refer later in my response to Cork in more detail.

I am committed to supporting victims in the short term, including by addressing the challenges presented by the pandemic, and also to introducing an improved and comprehensive approach to providing the services that victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence need. Together with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, I will meet with Safe Ireland in the coming week and we will meet on a continuous basis to try to address many of the concerns it has raised.

I have published and started implementing Supporting A Victim's Journey, which includes the actions necessary for the full implementation of the 52 O'Malley recommendations. This will introduce very real supports and protections for vulnerable victims and witnesses.The update I received yesterday from the implementation oversight group, which I chair, is testament to the real determination of all those involved to meet the ambitious targets set out in the implementation plan.

I referred to the audit of services to be completed by the end of the March and to the review of the second national strategy for combatting domestic sexual and gender-based violence, which will inform the design of the third strategy.

I have also referred to the proactive approach taken by my Department since the start of the pandemic and to the Covid-specific funding provided. I draw attention to the Still Here public awareness campaign run by my Department in partnership with public sector organisations and NGOs. This campaign is about getting the message out that services continue to be available to victims of domestic abuse and that the travel restrictions do not apply to victims seeking help. This is a message worth repeating at every opportunity. I urge anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to reach out for help when it is safe to do so, because the front-line services will support people and prioritise their case.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

An Garda Síochána continues to attach the highest priority to domestic abuse through Operation Faoiseamh. As part of their work to prioritise domestic abuse cases the Legal Aid Board established a helpline to ensure victims of domestic abuse get legal advice and representation where required and the Court Service is facilitating remote hearings for protective orders for those who cannot travel.

I understand that the Cork divisional protective services unit was launched on 4 August as part of the national roll-out and I am sure, like me, the Deputy welcomes this specialist approach to ensuring vulnerable victims are consistently met with the highest standard of specialist professional and sensitive expertise.

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