Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I very much appreciate him outlining the detail on domestic violence leave. The five days is very welcome. This measure has been introduced at an appropriate time, given the unfortunate rise in the number of cases of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence across the State. Some rather alarming figures were provided to me by An Garda Síochána recently. Women, in particular, but not exclusively, who are in fear of their safety, have been isolated from the families and are under immense pressure financially deserve the support of the State in amount any measure we can introduce to assist them in getting through a very difficult time.

I was conscious of the Minister's remark that encapsulating support within the Department of Social Protection is critical. The Government, which the Minister is part of and which I am a supportive member of, cannot take just one step. It has brought in multiple steps which are equally important, such as rent support for individuals who have tried to extract themselves from horrible situations.

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