Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 410: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the proposal for the development under the strategic management initiative of a framework for addressing issues concerning violence against women; and if he will consider taking an initiative to promote the development of such a framework. [4499/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Following receipt of a report by a task force on violence against women, which recommended the establishment of a steering committee at national level on the issue of violence against women, the Government established a national steering committee on violence against women in December 1997. The committee comprises representatives from five Departments — Health and Children, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Education and Science, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Justice, Equality and Law Reform — the Health Service Executive, the probation and welfare service, the Garda, the Courts Service, medical and legal professions and the relevant non-governmental agencies working in the area. The national steering committee is chaired by Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey, and my Department co-ordinates its work.

In addition to the national steering committee, regional committees on violence against women have also been established in eight Health Service Executive regions throughout the country.

The remit of the national steering committee is to advise on and co-ordinate a multi-disciplinary and cohesive response to the issue of violence against women. The committee has several objectives which include developing public awareness campaigns, advising on the co-ordination and distribution of resources, including funding for non-governmental agencies, throughout the eight health board regions, advising on the ongoing development of policies including those concerning services and supports and perpetrator-criminal justice intervention issues. The committee has established sub-committees to deal with these issues.

Since its establishment, the national steering committee has undertaken a number of initiatives, particularly in regard to raising awareness of the issue of violence against women. It has developed a public awareness campaign on domestic violence which will be conducted from next week as a joint initiative with the Northern Ireland authorities.

My Department has recently commissioned the development of a five year strategic plan for the committee. This strategic plan will record the progress that has been made on the recommendations contained in the task force report, take account of developments since the publication of that report and prioritise further progress over the next five years.