Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I would like to add my voice to all those who have expressed condolences with the Murphy family, to Ashling’s friends and boyfriend and to the wider Tullamore community. The vigils held across Ireland for Ashling were also for every victim of gender-based violence, for the 244 women who have died violently since our records began and the 18 children killed with their mothers, for the thousands of women who are raped and sexually assaulted, and for the women and children who have had to flee their violent homes. We have all seen the scenes of the vigils with women and girls crying and hugging and quiet moments acknowledging common experiences. There was anger and fear, but also hope; a hope for change. This is a defining moment; this is the week that the people of Ireland, and in particular the women and girls, have said “No more”. Generations of Irish women have had to endure misogyny. Culturally, perpetrators are protected and victims are blamed. Coercion and street harassment are dismissed. That is not to mind the legacy of mother and baby homes and repeated health scandals. No more. This time, we will not and we cannot allow violence against women to continue.

As legislators, we have a responsibility to do more than merely express our sadness. We must direct State resources to dismantle the culture that underpins violence against women. Most disgracefully, the necessary actions are known but successive Governments have continually failed to provide the range of measures necessary. I have repeatedly asked for very clear and targeted interventions on gender-based violence, actions Government could and should have taken long ago. Today I am asking again that it address these points to help prevent violence and to respond adequately to the national outpouring of anger, solidarity and calls for change.

First, there is a pressing need for more domestic violence refuge spaces. The Istanbul Convention standard is one refuge space per 10,000 people but Ireland provides one space per 10,000 women, leaving us with 50% less capacity, including very little infrastructure for male victims. Instead of ensuring we meet the international benchmark, every time I ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth about it he refers to a clause in the convention that allows for fewer refuge spaces. This is not acceptable any more. Every day we do not meet our commitments under the convention we put more women and children at risk. It would cost €33 million to provide the additional spaces. In a budget of billions, it is a relatively small amount to ensure lasting support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Second, we need a drastic overhaul of how our justice system understands and responds to sexual assault and violence. There is a significant under-reporting of these crimes and their detection rates are the lowest for any category recorded; just 10%. There must be reforms in how policing and the courts system engage with victims. I welcome the recent reforms in this area, such as pre-trial hearings. Sexual violence and rape crisis support organisations have also outlined the further necessary changes for immediate implementation.

Third, there is an urgent need for education on consent, sexual violence, coercion and other types of assault, including online crimes. In November, the Government delayed the progress of the Social Democrats Bill on relationships and sex education. All students should have access to information to help them develop respectful social and sexual relationships. I am calling on the Government to overturn that ridiculous decision. We need proper sex education to contribute to a cultural change in how women and girls are viewed and treated and we need it now.

The past week has been a defining moment for gender-based violence in Ireland and the Government must match the resolve of every community. We need to hear what reason the Government can give the people of Ireland to believe anything will be different for women and girls? What concrete policies with tangible outcomes is the Government presenting today?

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