Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I firmly believe violence against women and girls is the biggest issue preventing equality, not just in Ireland but right across the globe. It is an issue people are dealing with throughout the world. It is not fair to say nothing has happened in 20-plus years. The previous strategy resulted in significant changes in this country by way of new laws, new polices and investment. There is much more we need to do. I am looking at the current strategy, the commitment that is there across all Departments, the engagement with all stakeholders in the sector and the huge number of actions we are progressing and which I will bring to Cabinet in two weeks' time, after which I will meet with all stakeholders to go through the progress that has been made. We will all be held accountable if there is no progress on certain actions. The stakeholders will hold me and other Departments accountable, as will everybody in this House, for implementing the strategy. I absolutely assure Deputy Connolly that this is a priority and not something that will be left sitting on a shelf.

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