Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I will ask about the European directive on combating violence against women, specifically the inclusion of rape in the directive. Every year, more than 100,000 rapes are recorded in the European Union. Backward laws prevent many more from coming forward and prevent many who do so from getting justice. I say shame on France, the Netherlands and Germany for trying to block a more progressive, consent-based definition of rape in that directive. Will the Taoiseach confirm that the Government will back the inclusion of a consent-based definition at the European Council? Does he agree that if change is blocked at that level, and even if it is not, more now needs to be done in Ireland to move urgently on legislation on affirmative consent? The Government has been painstakingly slow to pass progressive legislation. The safe access zones Bill has still not been passed and the constitutional amendment is too timid by far. This issue is one that many women and supporters of women's rights are looking at closely. I would like to hear an answer from the Taoiseach on the issues raised.

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