Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I spoke about the need to implement urgent ethical reform to counteract the sowing of distrust in politics by agents of the far right. It is also vitally important that we provide wraparound supports for those who stand for election. In the last number of weeks we have seen multiple instances of intimidation and violence against Deputies, Senators and councillors. Jennifer Bray’s startling article in The Irish Timesshowed the gendered nature of that intimidation. We have heard the harrowing experiences of many colleagues in this House, some of whom are present today, and elsewhere who have had similar experiences. We know others are not prepared to speak publicly. Most members of my party, and those across other parties, have been targeted in recent weeks and years. The Government owes it to representatives today and potential future candidates to act on this. What plans does the Government have to ensure not just that we crack down on intimidating behaviour towards public representatives but also that we ensure supports are available to public representatives?

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