Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I did see that programme last evening. I thought it was powerful in revealing the horror and brutality of domestic violence. The programme’s power was that it allowed the victims to speak and speak truthfully about the manner of their experiences. It was the most effective way as a medium to bring home to us the enormous suffering that people have endured. The report covered the criminal justice system in the context of the victim’s journey and how unsatisfactory for some victims that turns out to be.

On refuges and the number of spaces, in the interim the Minister is bringing forward a strategy. As well however, as was discussed with the party leaders last week, the audit will be brought forward. In the interim, however, we must do everything we possibly can to provide more places. We must work with the local authorities in those areas to seek to ensure places are put in place more quickly than otherwise would be the case.

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