Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Kate spoke on RTÉ radio about her trauma of being raped by three men and then the trial that followed and the intimidatory atmosphere at it. Sophie was interviewed on "Prime Time" about her abuse as well. Kate said that we have an epidemic of gender-based violence and that people are being retraumatised in the legal system as well. The manosphere is operating unchecked and unregulated and is spewing violent misogyny such that 54% of men believe power and control over women is very important, and 46% believe they should not care about a woman's feelings. Two out of five men have trad views.

The Taoiseach's Government accepted a motion that I put in Private Members' business time on a ten-point plan on gender-based violence. Did he actually mean to leave it to gather dust or is he serious about this very serious pressing issue? Survivors have written and are joining a growing movement now. They wrote to the Minister for Justice seeking a meeting to progress that plan, in particular regarding the issue of counselling notes which the DPP has said are not necessary. I ask the Taoiseach when we can have that meeting with the Minister for Justice.

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