Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

139. To ask the Taoiseach when he will reconvene the party leader’s forum on violence against women that was due to be held in March 2022. [28864/22]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to tackling violence against women in all its forms, and is currently working on a new strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which will be published shortly. This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

It has always been Government’s intention to launch the new Strategy as soon as possible. However, it has been equally important to ensure that it is as comprehensive as possible so that it addresses all facets of DSGBV across society with appropriate actions from every relevant body. Ensuring this holistic response has resulted in a short delay in its intended publication date.

The Strategy has been developed on the basis of extensive contacts with all relevant stakeholders including a public consultation. As part of this inclusive process, a gathering of party leaders was convened in January 2022 where it was agreed that all concerned would meet again. A meeting of party leaders is being arranged as agreed and will be confirmed shortly.