Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind those present that today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It marks the beginning of 16 days of action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than one in three, or 35%, of women in the world have experienced physical and or sexual intimate partner violence. I wonder how accurate these figures are because I believe that women who are being violated are not reporting the incidents, which is sad indeed. It is not just women who suffer from violence. I spoke with a young man recently who had suffered two black eyes and had received six stitches in his forehead. I asked him what had happened as I thought it might have been a row in or outside a pub, but it had happened in his own home and by his own partner. We should contribute in any way we can to reduce incidents of violence.

It is unbelievable to hear in the media today that in excess of 40 towns in the State are still discharging raw effluent into our lakes, rivers and oceans. It is a medieval practice. I come from the medieval town of Carlingford where we had a similar situation up until 12 years ago when a new water treatment system was installed. It really helped the town to develop but at the moment it is insufficient to cater for further development. I ask the Leader to call for a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, on what are the priorities in eliminating this medieval practice in many towns and villages throughout the State.