Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a privilege to share time on this very important issue with such an advocate as Senator McFadden. Her articulation of the importance of this convention being ratified speaks volumes. We are a great country when it comes to honouring our international obligations. We dragged our feet for long enough with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and we let ourselves down in that instance, but I have no doubt that we will not let ourselves down in respect of the Istanbul Convention.

In the years since Deputy Flanagan took over as Minister, a lot has happened in terms of protecting women, such as the introduction of legislation on domestic violence and resourcing An Garda Síochána to its current level, which has meant the force has a new dynamic in dealing with violence against women. Violence against women and vulnerable people is abhorrent in our society and needs to be eradicated. It is a disease that should not exist in the modern world. We are a first world country and, as such, we need to take our international obligations seriously. I know that we will.

We advocated for the convention that became the Istanbul Convention. The people, of all parties and none, who represent this Parliament at the Council of Europe articulated this issue. It was formulated by our parliamentarians and other good parliamentarians throughout Europe and further afield. We need to transpose the convention into law to show that we espouse the complete elimination of domestic violence against women. I know the Minister will reflect these views in his response, but we would especially like a timeline from him.