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

I, of course, welcome any initiative that will help to combat violence against women. Domestic violence should be fought at every level. We must ensure we make a home a happy and safe place for everybody.

In saying that, I must talk about the services we have in County Kerry. We are grateful for the resources we have but we will always be seeking more. I am speaking of services such as the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre. I compliment Ms Vera O'Leary from that centre and the excellent people who have worked with her over the years and who work with her now. I sincerely thank Ms Catherine Casey from the Adapt service which is much needed. I hate the fact that the service is much needed. We need more resources that will act in a complete and encompassing way and a wraparound service, working in conjunction with the people in housing. We need sheltered housing provisions to be put in place because we must ensure that people are safe at all times. Of course, people should not have to leave their homes. One's home should be a safe place.

I also sincerely thank the Garda in Kerry for the purple tie day it organised on 29 April. I thank Garda Fidelma O'Leary and all the gardaí in Kerry who attended that occasion, along with many people from other services and politicians, including Deputy Pa Daly and others. We were there to support them on a special and good day. It showed people who are vulnerable or in unsure circumstances that in our county, we are all there to support and help them. I respectfully call on the Minister to ensure that at all times as much funding as possible is available.

See this speech in context