Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is evident that we need an immediate strong, political and societal response to the increasing rates of violence against women in this country. I welcome the statements by the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, last week in regard to a new strategy, new administrative structures and additional supports. When I attended the vigil in memory of the late Ashling Murphy in Cavan town, I saw at first hand the groundswell and passionate support for a proper, full and comprehensive response to this pressing societal issue. That evening, we had the opportunity to pass our sincere condolences to the Murphy family and, indeed, to other families of female victims of violence who died in similar horrific circumstances throughout this island. People want effective measures to be put in place without delay.

For far too long, I have been strongly pushing for a dedicated refuge centre for Cavan-Monaghan. The nearest refuges in which victims of domestic abuse in the Cavan-Monaghan area can be accommodated are in counties Meath, Louth or Sligo. It is horrendous for people to have to leave their home. When there are children involved and they have to travel a distance, in many circumstances those children cannot go back to their school because of the distance involved. In the review of accommodation that is to be published shortly, I sincerely hope counties like Cavan and Monaghan will be catered for. We do not want accommodation alone. We need a suite of services and proper supports, both legal and financial, for those women and for male victims where that occurs as well.

It has been demonstrated that the best outcomes arise for children when they are close to their own school. Some level of normality is retained when they can go to their own school and maintain friendships with their friends. There are significant emotional consequences for children who have to leave the home, generally with their mother, and who are cut off from normal day-to-day activities such as attending school, playing and participating in games. It is essential that in the most difficult circumstances when a mother and her children have to leave home, the children can retain some semblance of normality by attending their school, meeting their friends and continuing with the games they participate in. I ask the Minister to give urgent consideration to the provision of a refuge centre in the Cavan-Monaghan area. It is urgently needed.

See this speech in context