Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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124. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 25 November 2021, the status of the third national strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; when the strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8516/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy 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 a new whole-of-government strategy to combat domestic, sexual, gender-based violence. The goal of the strategy is zero tolerance for any form of domestic, sexual or gender based violence 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 which will high level in tone and content.

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 action plan is currently being drafted with the sector so that it is targeted, ambitious and deliverable.

I am also inviting feedback on the final draft of the strategy through a focused consultation process. Yesterday, I met with the NGO sector and shared a draft of the 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, 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.

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, and as the Deputy may be aware, my Department will assume responsibility for services for victims of DSGBV, in addition to policy responsibility.

A detailed plan for how this will work is being prepared.