Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Leas-Chathaoirleach and all Senators a very happy International Women's Day. This is a day on which we acknowledge the achievements of women, their survival and the progress made in tackling some of the injustices they face.I want to remember carers, in particular. I refer to carers of the elderly, vulnerable people and children and adults with disabilities. One of our main achievements in the Seanad was the passing of the Domestic Violence Bill. I ask the Leader to express our concern to the Minister that the Bill has not yet been passed in the Dáil in order that it can be enacted. I have no doubt that the Bill will save lives and years of abuse for some women. Perhaps we might be told today when this will be done. The #MeToo campaign has facilitated and opened up a discussion on the abuse of women. However, unless we act, we are failing all women who have suffered abuse, including those who are being abused this very day and who will be abused tomorrow and into the future. The Domestic Violence Bill is hugely important, but it is only one of the urgent necessary actions needed. Yesterday we heard from the two Garda civilian analysts who said they had been belittled and their credibility attacked at Garda headquarters. I am referring to when they raised concerns about the incorrect classification of some homicides. This is not just disgusting; it is also extremely dangerous as it puts the lives of women in danger. Thousands of women disclose domestic abuse to front-line agencies such as Women's Aid and Safe Ireland, as well as to rape crisis centres, women's refuges, family resource centres and other projects, which I also commend for their work.

I also want to remember, in particular, the investigation which is needed and necessary into the shooting of Ms Siobhan Phillips who was left for dead with Garda Tony Golden when her partner opened fire. Why was Mr. Adrian Crevan Mackin not convicted? I have permission from Ms Phillips to read a small element of her statement which we have to remember was made before the shooting. Ms Phillips says Mr. Mackin pinned her to the wall, kneed her to her ribs, grabbed her by the throat and squeezed her windpipe. He was looking at her and told her to look at him in the eyes when he was choking her. He said she liked it and spat in her face. She went on to say she was afraid that he would do to her, or her family, what he had done previously. That was her statement, as read to and confirmed by her as being correct.

After hearing from the two individuals at the committee yesterday, I was so mindful of how we needed to act, why we needed the Domestic Violence Bill and a change to protect women. The facts are that there are men who are walking in the corridors of power right now across the country, donning uniforms every morning, members of organisations and clubs who have abused women. They have used the power and control that come with their positions to do as they wish to women and get away with it. It has been happening for decades. I encourage women to come forward and commend those who have, some of them after decades of abuse. I encourage women to come forward to tell their stories and be supported by the agencies. It is never too late to tell. I commend the agencies involved. However, as legislators, we need to make sure they are given the funding and resources they need to be able to help the women in question.

I really need to say some of the media reporting of sexual abuse cases brought to trial is absolutely deplorable. I want some of the media outlets to walk in the shoes of women who are thinking, "This has happened to me. I have been abused. I have been raped. Will I come forward?" Looking at some of the commentary on some cases in the broadcasting and print media, it acts as a deterrent and must be addressed. I ask them to walk in the shoes of some of the women who have been abused before they open their mouths.