Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Fáiltím roimh an deis labhairt sa díospóireacht seo. Prevention must be central to how these issues are tackled if we are to make their elimination a real possibility. That means tackling the underlying attitudes that allow such behaviour and crimes to flourish. It means education and speaking out. In particular, it is important for men to speak out to show that this behaviour does not represent masculinity.

As well as tackling the underlying causes of this epidemic of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, we need to ensure that those who are victims of these crimes are supported at every stage in getting to safety, getting justice and rebuilding their lives. That means ensuring gardaí and all those who work in the courts are properly trained to deal with these issues. It also means tackling the delays in the courts and making the judicial process better for victims and survivors.

There are still far too few refuges. I have mentioned my constituency to the Minister on several occasions. His predecessor promised two refuges, but we are instead waiting on one. It is not good enough. We also need to be aware that the situation is made worse by the failure to tackle the housing crisis. Addressing the long-term housing needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence must be at the heart of domestic violence strategies.

Another issue I have raised with the Minister, and which requires an urgent response, is the crisis in civil legal aid for those seeking barring orders who cannot secure legal representation. At the centre of this crisis is the fact that legal aid fees payable to solicitors on the District Court family law solicitors panel for this work is deterring solicitors from taking on cases. The Minister indicated this will be considered as part of the implementation of the report of the civil legal aid report group, which is yet to be published and is due to go to public consultation. Frankly, that is not good enough.

Before concluding, I want to take this opportunity to again ask the Minister for his support for Bill I recently introduced to the House. The Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 will bring forward a new provision in law whereby a person in relation to whom an offence of a sexual nature is found to have been committed by the courts may be granted a civil protection order. That would allow victims to be assured at the time of sentence that their perpetrator will never again be able to intrude on their lives. It is a small but important piece of legislation, and would it would be very helpful if the Minister would give an indication that he is willing to support it.

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