Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I made some points last week but I will use this opportunity to talk about some excellent services we have in County Kerry which deal with people, particularly women, who have been subjected to domestic or sexual abuse or violence. I compliment, and give my heartfelt thanks to, Ms Vera O'Leary, the manager of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, and her excellent staff, who are kind, caring and considerate. I ask the Minister and her Government for assistance with the service the centre provides. We need more resources. The centre provides an absolutely brilliant service. I have seen the refuge where people are helped when there is a crisis at home or when they need urgent protection and a safe space to stay. In dealing with constituents, I have seen at first hand the kind and caring consideration and practical assistance they get. However, we need more resources.

There has been great support shown here by Government and Opposition Members but I need to see action on the ground in County Kerry. When people contact the rape crisis centre, they are referred to other agencies for assistance with different aspects of their problem but they have to go on a waiting list. My goodness. After all of what the Minister and other Government speakers have said and the very kind words they have spoken, why should a person, for instance, a lady, who rings the rape crisis centre in Kerry be told that she must be go on a waiting list for up to two months? That is totally wrong. No Government can stand over somebody in a crisis situation having to wait eight weeks. I plead with the Minister.

In case anybody thinks that this issue is being blown out of all proportion and that it is not a problem, I became aware of a completely new case only today and I am trying to assist in it. A very young vulnerable person had been sexually abused by a family member. That is hard stuff to deal with and to assist with. Imagine how hard it is for the young person who is told they must wait up to two months before they can be dealt with. I ask the Minister to please give the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre more resources to deal with the waiting list it has but should not have. I am sure every other rape crisis centre around the country is facing the same types of problems but I am obviously highlighting the issues in the county I am here to represent.

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