Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt that the Minister has determined to look into a system to deal with these complaints and the long-term issues that have been highlighted by the Women of Honour, but the fact remains that we in this State have a long history of failing those who have suffered abuse, of not learning from the past and of not putting in place systems that work.

The criterion that matters in this situation is the statement by Women of Honour that this approach will not cut the mustard. Like many others, I commend the Women of Honour on their bravery in highlighting these issues, which have lasted for many years and have not been addressed. Regardless of whether the Government or the Department had intentions of dealing with this and putting in place a system that was fit for purpose, we have not gone far enough. This is like some of the conversations the Dáil has had in recent years about historical abuse by the State and how the State is still failing to do that piece of work whereby the people who have suffered such abuse are taken across the line to a system that is fit for purpose, works for them and can provide them with the answers they require.

That they have not added their voices to that of those who may believe what has been offered can do the business it is meant to speaks for itself. The Women of Honour are the people the Government needed to sign off on this, but they have not done so. That is where most of the Irish people will lie in regard to this issue.

We all accept the need for a proper system for complaints against those who have engaged in sexual harassment or abuse so people will face the repercussions necessary. We need to ensure in the longer term that this work is done; however, first and foremost, we are starting from a bad place in the sense that what has been proposed is not being accepted by Women of Honour.

We have all engaged in the wider conversation on violence, abuse and the issues with which women across society must deal. The problem was highlighted to us by the dreadful murder of Ashling Murphy. Reports on other alleged attacks of women have also entered the public domain. We are listening more keenly now. I have been always aware of the work done locally by the likes of Women's Aid and Rape Crisis Centre North East but I am more keenly aware of it now. I am aware of their underfunding and of services that are not fit to deal with the issues that arise. If we are truly serious about this entire matter and wish to deal with it, we will have to carry out a needs analysis, have the genuine conversations and ensure we provide resources.

Whether we are talking about the Defence Forces or wider society, we all accept that we have to do specific work that involves everyone questioning themselves regarding how they operate, what they call out and what they have failed to call out to date, thus creating a culture that does not allow for any gender-based violence, harassment or abuse, or any such behaviours that are utterly unacceptable to the vast majority. We just need to ensure we leave no space for these behaviours in society.

As regards the issue in question and Women of Honour, what the latter deserve and what they are getting are not the same. They have been failed by the State over and over. They are not happy with what is being put on offer at this point. Therefore, the Minister needs to re-engage and get their endorsement. That is an absolute requirement.

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