Written answers

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Domestic Violence

Photo of Aindrias MoynihanAindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the review recommendations under the provision of accommodation for victims of domestic violence will be included in the forthcoming publication of the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; when this publication will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5421/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The publication of the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and its final contents is a being led by my colleague the Minister for Justice. The Deputy will be aware from recent statements in the House on Violence Against Women that the strategy will reflect a whole-of-Government commitment and the most ambitious to date.

I understand that the proposed strategy will be published shortly for a final round of consultations. It will address the needs for safe and accessible emergency accommodation, building on the work that Tusla has undertaken and reflecting the findings and recommendations of the Accommodation Review. This will require significant collaborative work across Government Departments, Agencies and the whole of the DSGBV sector.

Photo of Ruairi Ó MurchúRuairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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137. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress on delivering paid domestic violence leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60853/21]

Photo of Marc Ó CathasaighMarc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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170. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of a timeline for the introduction of paid domestic violence leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4997/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 170 together.

Since its formation, this Government has made it clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence.

The issue of domestic violence leave has been researched by officials in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This research has included considering domestic violence leave at international level, identifying best practice and developing a suitable model for roll-out in Ireland.

The Department has engaged in a targeted consultation process with relevant stakeholders and social partners to examine how a scheme of paid leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively. This has included consulting with the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, employers' groups and trade unions. Stakeholders of the National Equality Strategy Committees have also been consulted.

A report is being prepared based on this work, which will be brought to Government shortly. The report will include recommendations on how best to support employees experiencing domestic abuse, including proposals for introduce domestic violence leave.

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