Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Department’s strategy statement makes no reference to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV, despite the commitments made by the current and former taoisigh of their office's significant role in the implementation of the third strategy. When will this be rectified?

The Taoiseach knows that it is the intention of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth that victims will avail of a reduced amount of pay for the five days that they may need to take domestic violence leave in a 12 month period. This pay will be reduced by up to 30%. In one breath the Taoiseach agrees that there is an epidemic of domestic abuse and violence, particularly against women, yet in another completely dismisses modest additional asks that can and will protect victims and their children. It is inappropriate to align domestic violence leave with sick pay. Domestic violence is not and should not be a normal occurrence, nor should political leaders accept it as such. There is still time for the Government to pull back from this punitive provision within the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill. Women's Aid has set out in very stark terms the way in which cutting a victim's pay will alert their abuser. The National Women's Council of Ireland has called for domestic violence leave to be paid at the full rate of pay, as has Fórsa, the national secretary of which has written to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth outlining its view and its serious concerns with the proposed rate of pay. As head of Government with overall responsibility for delivery of the third strategy, will the Taoiseach convene an urgent meeting this week with the Minister, Women's Aid, the National Women's Council of Ireland and Fórsa to resolve this issue before Report Stage?

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