Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have just come from the launch of a very important report on sexual violence by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. I commend the Chairman of the committee, Deputy Stanton, and the two rapporteurs on producing what I consider a ground-breaking report on what needs to be done about the appalling crime of domestic violence. The report makes a number of significant recommendations, specifically on redefining and creating an offence of domestic violence and firming up the penalties. It also makes recommendations on how An Garda Síochána can improve its service to victims of domestic violence. It also suggests a possible constitutional change. We have had constitutional referendums on many issues recently, but a referendum to give constitutional protection to people who become the victims of domestic violence is something the Irish people would welcome and, I have no doubt, endorse. I call for a debate, perhaps this side of Christmas, on domestic violence and the contents of the very fine report published by the committee.