Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Government has recognised, in the programme for Government, the epidemic of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV, and is introducing a range of measures, which the Minister, Deputy McEntee, is leading. This is an action I can take in my Department to support victims, recognising their risk of falling into poverty as a result of being a victim of DSGBV.

On family leave being good for the economy, it is also good for society and that is what we are trying to do. We are trying to support families in those early days when there are many pressures. Another initiative we are working on is the pilot on baby bundles, which I will roll out later this year. I admit it is a small pilot programme but it is to start that process and put in place a range of basic but important items at the start of a child's life, as well as linking the new family, who receive this gift from the State, to those important services and supports. This programme will be very beneficial. I look forward to rolling out the pilot and hope to see a positive evaluation emerging from it.

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