Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, up-to-date data and reports from those on the front line have shown that all types of violence against women, particularly domestic violence, have intensified. It is hard to believe that one in three women in Ireland is affected by domestic violence. It is not confined to class, age, sexuality, religion or disability. It has been named as the shadow pandemic. Some 243 million women and girls worldwide have experienced violence by a partner in the past year. Some of the contributing factors are health and money worries, cramped living conditions, being isolated with abusers, movement restrictions and deserted public spaces.

With International Women's Day in mind, I appeal to everyone to look out for the signs that we often miss and to be alert to domestic violence. In an earlier debate, I said all employers have been asked to recognise the three Rs: recognise, respond and refer. On a separate point, in the words of Vicky Phelan, we should keep asking questions and for clarification regarding women's health.

It is on record that the State has a long history of not treating women as equals. This has to stop. We are responsible for this. So many major issues have arisen in which women were not considered by the State, including the issue of cervical cancer screening, the issue of mother and baby homes, and lower the rate of promotion of women in the Dáil. I am happy that history was made when Deputy Connolly was made Leas-Chathaoirleach. I was one of the people who voted for her. There have been major concerns over the waiting time for cancer screening. I urge Departments and the Government to accelerate the process. What is the healthcare plan for women? Do we really want a repeat of the cervical screening affair?

I would not be here today only for my mother. I would not be here today only for my wife and family giving me support. Some 75% of my office staff are women. I always have treated women as equals, and that is the way it should go. I am from a farming background. All women were treated as equals in our household. That is the way I was brought up. I am happy today to support women in whatever way I can as they have supported me throughout my life.

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