Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is worth reminding ourselves of the statistics and it is important that we read them into the record. I will read just the first few sentences of the motion. They read as follows:

... the World Health Organisation ... states that gender-based violence is a global pandemic and the greatest threat to the health of women and girls worldwide, a woman or girl is killed by a partner or family member every 10 minutes;

in this State:

— since 1996, 274 women have died violently ...;

— 52 per cent of women have experienced sexual violence in childhood or adulthood;

— 35 per cent of women, have experienced psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse from an intimate partner;

— ... Women's Aid ... [were told of over 40,000] disclosures of abuse [in 2023];

— Gardaí responded to over 65,000 domestic abuse incidents in 2024, ... 1,600 ... [of those in] Christmas week;

This is obviously an appalling vista and it is really worrying and really depressing. The time for talking has long since gone; we obviously need action immediately.

As Deputy Coppinger said, the legal and courts system creates huge difficulties for victims in this situation. It effectively retraumatises them and feeds into a situation where only 5% of sexual violence is reported to gardaí and only 14% of cases make it to trial. We need urgent action and legislation, particularly legislation to stop giving the accused and their legal teams access to counselling records. We need to end the practice of character references in gender-based violence cases and we need to provide adequacy for victims in the court process. We also need training for judges, gardaí and juries.

The domestic violence services in my constituency, Tipperary South, are operated by Cuan Saor in Clonmel. It is an organisation I have been associated with since the mid-1990s. I am currently a board member and treasurer. It has developed from very small beginnings, and through the huge commitment, dedication and professionalism of staff at all levels, into a county-wide service acknowledged for its excellence. It provides a range of services to victims, including a helpline, emergency accommodation, support and information, outreach support, court support, childcare, parenting, counselling, training and, together with Tipperary County Council, a safe house. I acknowledge the work done by the organisation and thank the recently retired project leader Geraldine Mullane, who has given exceptional leadership and professional service over the years. I wish her well in her retirement.

From the annual reports of Cuan Saor and similar organisations throughout the country, it is clear we need additional emergency accommodation. We also need additional safe houses. For instance, Cuan Saor was unable to admit more than 205 women and 230 children in the past 12 months to its emergency accommodation. We need to ensure staff are paid properly and enjoy the same salaries as comparable staff in the HSE, Tusla and Cuan. This needs to be done urgently because it has the potential to create - and is already creating - difficulties in the recruitment and retention of staff. I commend the motion.

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