Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It was so important to mark International Women's Day on 8 March and it is critically important that we ensure significant and meaningful participation at every level of society. I call on all women to explore politics and to have a seat at the decision-making table, whether that is in their local club, school, the county council or even in these Houses of the Parliament. One of the issues I brought up on that day, which I was so disappointed to hear about, is that nine counties in Ireland have no women's refuge. I am passionate about a women's refuge for Carlow. I know a lot of work has been done, I know a lot of the stakeholders are meeting and I meet them regularly. Tusla has approved an external consultant but it is critically important that Carlow gets a women's refuge, as it is for the other eight counties that do not have one. We cannot be in a position where any county does not have a women's refuge. I have spoken to the Minister for Justice and the Tánaiste on this and I will continue to do so. Timing is critical in this and we must get our women's refuge in Carlow delivered as soon as possible.

See this speech in context