Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the important issue of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. It requires all of us, Government and Opposition, to act and play our part in bringing about change in this area. In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk about the vicious attack on Natasha O'Brien and the sentence in that case. Unfortunately, that case is not unique but it is a strong demonstration of the violence that impacts so many people, in particular women, in our society. It should never and can never be tolerated.

I commend Natasha O'Brien on her bravery throughout this period. I commend her on stepping up, speaking openly and highlighting this widespread issue to a wider audience. It takes great courage to put oneself out in front like that.

Unfortunately, her case is but a headline case. Gender-based violence is an everyday occurrence. It is an issue that can impact any woman from any and every socioeconomic group. We will, of course, always be appalled by physical violence. However, equally impactful are coercive control and the everyday misogyny women experience. Why is this still an issue in the 21st century? It is a reflection of the everyday sexism, harassment and misogyny that are present in every aspect of Irish life. Women involved in political life are often targeted with the most vile, hateful and crude comments on social media. The cruel and highly sexualised commentary used against many female politicians has been allowed to continue. Sports personalities are often subjected to comments based not on the merits or demerits of their sporting performances but on how the commentator perceives their looks. It is abhorrent that women must deal with such commentary while striving to excel in their field.

We have an obligation to prevent another generation of women and girls from experiencing misogyny and gender-based violence. There are many actions we can take as legislators but there is much more we can do in our everyday lives. Domestic and gender-based violence, if allowed to continue, can be lethal. I cannot imagine living with an ever-present concern for my safety, as so many women do in this country. It is absolutely abhorrent.

As legislators, we have made some inroads on this issue. The introduction of domestic violence leave in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was a positive step forward. The third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence must be fully resourced. The Ombudsman for Children must be granted funding to participate in the strategy. The establishment of a dedicated agency dealing with domestic violence is welcome but it must be fit for purpose and have the autonomy to address the crisis effectively. As an immediate step, the Government must address the deficit in the provision of shelters and ensure there are adequate spaces in existing refuges. Nine counties have no shelter, as my colleague noted. Women and children desperately seeking escape end up staying in, or returning to, violent and abusive homes. Domestic abuse support providers have been underfunded for decades. Strategy and investment must turn the tide to ensure women and children fleeing domestic violence have access to refuge and the wraparound supports they need. Recent high-profile cases have led to observations that we are at a watershed moment. I hope that by working together on a cross-party basis, we can finally bring forward the seismic change that is needed.

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