Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will start by extending my sympathy to the family of Ashling Murphy on her tragic murder and to the community of Tullamore and surrounding areas. Sadly, we could have had this debate or discussion on any number of occasions in any year that I have been a Member of the Dáil about any number of the many women who have been killed in this country. That says a lot about the situation of women. Some people will say we have not had this discussion because there are not enough women Members of this House. However, there are enough members of the group of perpetrators of violence against women to whom we can talk, who need to listen to women, stand with them and bring about the change that is required. It is by talking to men and influencing men that we can bring change, and the men who are Members of this House can lead that change.

It goes without saying and yet it has to be said that pepper spray, knives or even guns will not prevent violence against women. It will just ensure more women die in violent attacks. As a man, I need to be reminded of the difficulties women have and how we as men do not really understand the situation. Recently, I was talking to a woman in Donegal about the huge amount of abuse she suffered during a political campaign in the county. She told me how men shouted abuse at her and drove around roundabouts twice just so that they could shout more abuse at her. I was shocked and told her that this was not my experience. She replied, "Of course it wasn't; you're a six foot, three inch man so you would not have that experience." That is the reality of the situation.

The Rape Crisis Network sent a very worthwhile document to Members yesterday outlining what needs to be done and not once does it mention legislation, which is welcome. The danger is this House, in wanting to be seen to respond to the situation, will see the passing of legislation as a sufficient response. That may be necessary but I do not think so. There is a lot that can be done before we legislate. In this country we are great at proposing legislation but terrible at implementing it. What we need is implementation rather than the passing of even more legislation. The fact rape crisis centres receive funding of €25 million annually while the horse and greyhound industry receives funding of approximately €70 million shows where the priorities of the system lie. As a country and as a Legislature, we need to step up to the mark. The Government must prioritise the funding of rape crisis services. Nobody in this House would oppose that. As I said earlier, when you consider we are only at 29% of the Istanbul Convention targets for the provision of women's refuges, you can see where the priorities of the Government lie.

Last year the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, said in the Dáil that the Government chose to provide the current number of women's refuge places because community-based organisations and outreach supports are in place alongside refuges. That hardly deserves to be commented on, but if that is the height of our ambition for women, we have a long way to go.

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