Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
» ...
»
Domestic Violence Policy
84. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide better protection to victims of domestic violence by ratifying and implementing the Istanbul Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17036/16]
View answerThe protection of members of society from domestic violence, sexual violence and exploitation are primary concerns for me and my Department. The Istanbul Convention is a significant legal instrument in the fight against domestic and sexual violence. Ireland is fully supportive of the aims and terms of the Convention and the Deputy will be aware that Ireland signed the Convention on 5 November 2015. The recently published Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to implementing the Istanbul Convention. The 18 legislative and administrative actions which, when implemented, will enable Ireland to ratify the Convention are contained in the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, which was published in January. A monitoring committee in relation to implementation of the Strategy, which involves the community and voluntary sector, has been established. It met earlier this month and will shortly commence formal monitoring of implementation of the Strategy.
