Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)

Táim sásta labhairt ar son an Bhille thábhachtaigh atá os ár gcomhair anocht. Céim chun cinn atá inti a chuirfidh le cumhachtú agus cosaint na n-íospartach foréigean gnéasach. The psychological and physical safety of victim survivors must be the first aim of our justice system. That is the fundamental principle the Bill addresses. While we have made progress in managing sex offenders, there are still clear and glaring gaps that need closing and it is our duty as legislators to fill those gaps.

For every person who suffers at the hands of an abuser, the offender's release date is a day that looms large. The victims feel anxiety, stress and paralysing terror at the thought of unwanted contact with their assailant as they go about their daily lives. Can we even imagine the terror of knowing they might cross paths with the person who inflicted unspeakable violence upon them? More often than not, the offender is known to the victim or is from the victim's community. This creates a real risk of being harmed again or, at the very least, being retraumatised. Victims and survivors who have already endured so much should not have to live in this perpetual state of fear.

The Bill is a direct response to the powerful calls of those affected by sex crimes. It provides that a civil protection order may be granted at the time of sentencing. Victims do not want to be dragged back to the courts for a long adversarial ordeal. They want to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives. The Bill provides a mechanism for their peace of mind. It offers them a fundamental sense of safety by ensuring the perpetrator cannot approach them, thereby restoring some control lost during the abuse.

Sexual and gender-based violence is on the rise. Thousands of attacks are recorded every year and we know this type of violence is severely underreported. When victims come forward, they are being courageous. They are not only asserting their dignity but protecting the rest of society from future violence. They have done enough. Impím ar na Teachtaí ar fad vótáil i bhfabhar an Bhille seo. We owe it to the brave women who have stepped up and spoken out, some of whom are here tonight, and who should not have to live in fear. Caithfidh sábháilteacht na n-íospartach a bheith mar chéad fheidhm an chórais. This provision currently exists in harassment legislation. There is absolutely no reason it should not be a mandatory tool in cases of sexual violence.

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