Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

Today marks the beginning of 16 days of focus on violence against women, which are intended to highlight what happens internationally. An Irish plan was launched today on work towards the elimination of female genital mutilation. A good conference took place this morning on dealing with this issue. It is important that we discuss, particularly in the Houses of the Oireachtas, the issue of domestic violence and I call for a debate on this matter. It is unfortunate that only in times like this, when there are to be 16 days of concentration on violence against women, the question of domestic violence and gender-based violence against women gets a focus. I would not like this period to go without having it marked by a debate in the Seanad on domestic violence in general and all gender-based violence against women.