Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

105. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to progress the strategy to combat domestic violence across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8539/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in all its forms.

As the deputy is aware, I am currently leading on the development of a new whole-of-government strategy to combat domestic, sexual, gender-based violence. The goal of the strategy is zero tolerance for violence against women and it will be structured around the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention –

- Prevention,

- Protection,

- Prosecution, and

- Co-ordinated Policies.

Under each of these high level objectives, there will be a number of specific aims listed but it will be high level in tone and content.

It is important to note that the Third National Strategy will also make provision for how we deliver refuge spaces, both in the immediate and longer term, to cater for the needs of victims.

In this regard, my Department will assume responsibility for services for victims of DSGBV, in addition to policy responsibility.

The Strategy will be accompanied by a detailed action plan setting out how each of these aims will be achieved, who is responsible for them and the timeframe for delivery. This is currently being drafted with the sector so that it is targeted, ambitious and deliverable.

I am also inviting feedback through a focused consultation process on the final draft of the strategy. Yesterday, I met with the NGO sector and shared the draft strategy as part of our ongoing consultation. A public consultation commenced today and it will help ensure that the Strategy is correctly focused on addressing the areas that people feel need the most urgent attention.

Following these consultations, the strategy and action plan will be finalised, brought to Government and published as soon as possible.

Earlier this week, my colleague Minister O’Gorman and I published a review that was undertaken by Tusla on accommodation and services for victims, with recommendations to ensure the needs of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are met.