Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Social Democrats on this motion. We debated a similar one by the Labour Party last week, and we also had statements last week on this issue. We have probably had statements and motions on this issue in every year of this Government's term. Everybody makes relevant points but things are not happening quick enough and change is not coming. The number of reports of domestic violence, assault and rape we hear about constantly on the news is scary. How often do we hear a news story about a woman's body found in a house somewhere or a report on a court case about a rape or sexual abuse, especially of children, with a warning given that the content will be disturbing? We have to recognise we hear only about the most severe cases, which may involve the death of a woman or actual court cases. Most cases do not even make it to court. In most cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim or survivor, and in most cases the victim is a woman.

The most concerning thing about this is the lack of data. We do not have any clarity on whether the greater demand for front-line services is the result of more violence or more reporting and disclosures. Women's Aid had over 40,000 disclosures of domestic abuse against women and children last year, and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had over 18,000 contacts regarding rape and sexual abuse. People need support. We do not know how many of these cases go to the Garda and how many actually make it to court. However, the victims need support. The number of refuge spaces in this country is at an all-time low. Nine counties are still without a refuge, and two of these, Cavan and Monaghan, are counties I represent. Even where there are refuges, they need investment. There has been ten years of no investment. The providers need to expand and update their services.

Also of concern are the pay and conditions of workers in the sector. The workers were section 56 workers but they have now moved to Cuan. The first pay increase they got since 2008 was last December. If these professionals are not paid properly, they cannot stay in their jobs. They face cost-of-living pressures like the rest of us. We need workers with the appropriate qualifications, empathy and the right attitude, and they have to be paid properly. I am aware that Safe Ireland is doing work on this, and this has to be something that will be implemented.

On the legal system, the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 has still not been commenced to allow much-needed civil orders against stalking. It needs to be commenced as soon as possible. I stated last week that the victim in a rape trial must give evidence but the accused does not have to. He has a choice. That is totally wrong.

I welcome the Minister's statement that she is working on changing the legislation on the use of counselling notes. It has been changed in Britain and I know the Taoiseach made a commitment to change it here. It needs to happen as soon as possible. The practice was totally wrong from the start. It is absolutely outrageous that it happened at any stage, but I would welcome change in this regard as quickly as possible.

Women still have limited access to legal assistance. Very few solicitors operate within the civil legal aid system. I frequently come across cases where women leave their home, often fleeing with children and perhaps to live with a family member, because they are afraid of their partners. The partner may be working and have access to finance and can employ a solicitor. His partner will have very few options and will be at a disadvantage again in court.

The non-payment of maintenance is being used as a form of abuse against partners. I was talking to a woman yesterday whose former partner, her former husband, is working and can employ a good solicitor but does not pay her maintenance. She brings him to court and he pays once or twice, then stops paying again. That has to be addressed. If somebody is found guilty of not paying maintenance once, there should consequences; one should not have to go back to court repeatedly.

Some have referred to the regulation of certain professions. I absolutely agree. If psychologists are not regulated, it needs to happen. A comment was made yesterday to the effect that somebody who is driving a bus needs to be vetted. I came across a quite disturbing case in this regard. If you drive a bus for a private operator, you do not need to be vetted. I am aware of someone who drives a bus bringing children from place to place. Parents assume he is vetted but he is not, although there are concerns about some of his past conduct in relation to children.

I commend the Minister on working closely with services and advocates to deliver the most comprehensive strategy we have had to date and the accompanying implementation plan for the first time, but this needs to be funded. Otherwise, it just becomes another document on the shelf gathering dust.

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