Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak today on this important issue. However, its ongoing presence in the news is not particularly welcome. I commend the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and her departmental officials who have made significant efforts and progress in the lifetime of this Government to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Work achieved thus far includes Cuan, the new DSGBV strategy and the increase in the maximum sentence for those convicted of assault causing harm, from five to ten years, meaning those convicted of serious domestic abuse face tougher sentences.

We have also seen the introduction for the first time of new offences, relating to stalking and non-fatal strangulation. Importantly, we have also seen the development and implementation of the zero-tolerance strategy, with a dedicated agency, Cuan, created to help to deliver on our ambitions.

Despite this work, we still have a long way to go in order to root out domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. We must address the underlying misogyny within our society and our culture. We must facilitate the change that we need to make to build a future where all people in Ireland can grow up in a safe and supportive country. It is clear that we must change that cultural acceptance of misogyny whether it is in your face or subtle. Unfortunately, the latter breeds acceptance.

Education will play a significant role in tackling the prevalence of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This must take place at all levels of education, including in third level education. I am encouraged by the work done in respect of this sector, particularly in the last four years.

We must also tackle the rampant misogyny and sexism that we see online and on social media. The level of harassment that women face is stark. One only needs to look at the female Members of the Oireachtas to see an illustration of that. It is all too common and is completely unacceptable. We, in this House, have a responsibility to hold social media companies accountable for inaction and demand the change we want to see. For instance, we must demand an end to anonymity online and therefore impunity online.

We all have a role to play in this effort - Government, businesses and ordinary citizens. We cannot keep repeating the mistakes of the past. We must draw a line and pursue our goals with the full rigour of the law, the Oireachtas, and ordinary decent people.

We need a system that is responsive and has integrated mechanisms to help support victims and those in vulnerable circumstances. This will require co-operation across Government and civil society, and the necessary resourcing from this House to ensure that we can best serve victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The damage caused is far reaching and knows no barrier as to age, geography or demographics. It is at every level of our society and as a country, we cannot turn a blind eye or offer excuses.

We cannot be a morally true and modern country if we do not take action and redouble our efforts to root out these crimes.

There can be no tolerance and we in this House must take a lead on that. I believe we can one day reach a place where the tide has turned on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. It will not be an easy journey, nor will it be achieved in the lifetime of one government. It is therefore incumbent on Members of these Houses to dedicate themselves to shining a light on this issue every day to create a better Ireland.

I commend the bravery of the two women mentioned multiple times by Members during this debate. According to Women's Aid statistics, more than 266 women in the State have been murdered, which is an average of approximately nine per annum. That is completely unacceptable. Those two brave women spoke so strenuously about the necessity for them to come out in front of the media, this House and others. They felt the need to do so because they felt there are systems within the State that are not operating as they should. We men must take a more significant role in calling out misogyny when we see it. I again commend the Minister and the work of Government in this regard.

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