Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo the concerns with regard to what we are hearing about proposals to try to restrict people's access to justice when it comes to the planning process. We all agree the process is much in need of reform. We are all conscious we have major infrastructural projects to be delivered and are in the middle of a housing crisis, but if the Government thinks it is going to stop people and communities being part of the democratic process that is the planning system that is deeply concerning. I commend the Green Party members of the Cabinet who have at least spoken up about the protection of access to justice. I hope they hold firm on that and that the proposals are given the proper scrutiny they warrant when they reach the committee. However, what we have seen this week with the Bill dealing with An Bord Pleanála hearkened back to the bad old days of Fianna Fáil stuffing boards with cronies. We have seen where that led us. Having no independent public appointments process for appointing people to the board is deeply concerning. It does not bode well in the context of what we are hearing with regard to what came out of Cabinet yesterday.

In my remaining time, I wish to speak on the issue of domestic violence.I will not have an opportunity to speak during the debate tomorrow. Last week An Garda Síochána released the latest statistics on domestic violence. This was timely as we approach Christmas which can be a difficult time for those living in abusive relationships. More than 49,257 domestic abuse reports have been received so far this year. That is a 9% increase on the same period last year. That has to be a cause for huge concern. In addition, 481 coercive control incidents have been recorded so far this year. This is again a steady increase on the number since 2020. Coercive control is a persistent pattern of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour, including abuse which is emotional, physical, financial or sexual, and including threats.

On a positive note An Garda Síochána reports that 90% of gardaí have now completed specific training on coercive control, which is good news for any woman suffering under such circumstances this Christmas and new year break. As we approach the end of the year, I wish to acknowledge the work done by many of the groups across this island supporting those in abusive relationships. I refer to groups such as Women's Aid, which has worked for more than 45 years to make women and children safe from domestic violence, and Safe Ireland. I commend their work as we approach the end of the year. I urge anybody who is in a difficult situation to reach out and get the help they require if they find themselves in an abusive relationship.