Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Ceisteanna (584, 585)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

584. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the next steps that she will take in the context of her adoption of the Dublin Declaration. [49496/22]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

585. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the supports that are available to persons from her Department in the context of the recent adoption of the Dublin Declaration (details supplied) [49498/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 585 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Dublin Declaration is a statement of intent by the Council of Europe member states on the importance of taking measures to prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). It is a clear statement of our collective commitment to preventing such heinous crimes. A substantial majority of Council of Europe member states, 38 in total, have aligned with the Declaration, giving it a clear political mandate within the Council of Europe.

The commitments outlined in the Declaration are fully in line with the actions of Zero Tolerance, our Third National Strategy to combat Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which I launched in June.

This new plan has a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It is an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV, or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.

This is a whole-of-society plan of action for Ireland which is structured on the four pillars of the Istanbul convention – prevention, protection, prosecution and policy co-ordination. The accompanying implementation plan contains 144 detailed actions for implementation this year and next. Implementation will be ensured by strong oversight and coordination at central Government level.

Under Budget 2023 I have secured an extra €9m, which represents a 22pc increase, for combatting domestic, sexual and gender based violence. This record level of funding will also support the implementation of this new action plan.

This additional €9 million includes increased funding of €7m for organisations funded by TUSLA to address acute demands in existing services throughout the country, and for investment in new services as outlined in the new Strategy.

This funding also strengthens the nationwide supports and services for victims of crime (€920,000), provides for targeted awareness raising campaigns (€750,000) and for work to establish the new DSGBV statutory agency (€450,000) which will become operational in January 2024. The new agency will ensure we deliver excellent services, supports and accommodation and set world class standards in this area.

Question No. 585 answered with Question No. 584.