Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would welcome Senator Ó Domhnaill to the renewable wind energy debate to be held in Dublin Castle on 21 and 22 June. I hope he will be there to put forward his views with other parliamentarians from across Europe. It would be a good forum to suggest ideal places where we can ensure in Ireland that we can produce sustainable energy.

Women's Aid is publishing a report on child abuse today, disclosing that child abuse is up 55% on reports last year, with 3,000 disclosures of child abuse made. It is a scandal. I also wish to raise the matter of signing the European convention on preventing and combating violence against women. Senator Hayden raised the matter before me. Ireland is in a minority of 18 states that have not yet signed it. Before we sign off the Irish Presidency I ask the Minister, Deputy Shatter, to prioritise the matter and send a clear signal that we are serious in Ireland about preventing abuse of women and children. It has been proven that the children of abused women are also abused. Some 82% of abuse is by male partners, with 49% by husbands. I ask for the convention to be signed and I have asked before for a debate about violence towards women.

By keeping it on the agenda we will raise awareness and, more than that, do something about it. Could I ask for a debate as well as for the convention to be signed?