Mary Lou McDonald
Question:1252. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the draft third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. [19521/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 April 2022
Questions (1252)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, I am currently leading work on a new whole of Government strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. 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 in our society of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with the sector to ensure it is targeted, comprehensive and effective in achieving all of the goals set out. Earlier this year I briefed those working in the sector on the progress of the strategy as part of that ongoing consultation and while a draft was shared with them to facilitate their continued input, it was not published. A wider public consultation run by my Department concluded last month.
Officials in my Department are currently working to finalise the strategy for submission to Government in light of submissions received in this final consultative phase.
The strategy and aims will set a high level of ambition. I am also working on finalising an accompanying action plan for the rest of this year and next year which will set out how each of these aims will be achieved, which Departments and agencies are responsible for them, and the timeframe for delivery, so that it is targeted, precise and deliverable.
I intend to bring both the finalised strategy and the action plan to Government in the coming weeks. They will both be published as soon as possible thereafter.
I have said on a number of occasions that this new Strategy will be the most ambitious to date, and I intend to deliver on that.