Greens propose €1bn investment to tackle the scourge of domestic violence

The Green Party today published proposals that would see a record €1bn investment in tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence if returned to Government. The Party this morning set out its plans to increase refuge spaces across Ireland to bring us in line with our international commitments, while also improving the response of the Gardaí and judiciary to cases of gender-based violence and ensuring that our education system is equipped to deliver a curriculum that sets out a zero tolerance message for young people. 

Speaking this morning Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman TD said:

“We prioritised taking action on all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in government negotiations in 2020. And on foot of the commitments that we secured, we have taken significant steps over the past four and a half years in tackling all forms of gender-based violence, including the introduction of paid leave for those experiencing domestic violence, the establishment of the state agency Cuan, and improvements to the conditions for survivors of violence during court proceedings. 

"But we need to go much further and fast. We will expedite the building and procurement of new refuge spaces across the country, in particular in poorly served counties, to bring our total refuge spaces from the current target of 280 places to 675 places. This would bring us in line with our international commitments under the Istanbul Convention and ensure that everyone who needs a space in a refuge can access it without having to travel far from home. This will require an investment of €1bn over a four-year period.”

Green Party Justice spokesperson Patrick Costello TD said:

“We need to ensure that the Gardaí and the courts are responding appropriately and in a timely manner to situations where women and their children are at risk. We know that the servicing and policing of domestic violence orders by An Garda Síochána is not consistent across all Garda divisions, leaving victims in vulnerable circumstances. 

"We will ensure that all Garda divisions are mandated to provide up to date and regular training to members on the timely and effective serving and policing of these crucial orders. We will also amend section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 to strengthen the response to breaches of domestic violence orders.”

Green Party Education spokesperson and Director of Elections Senator Pauline O’Reilly said:

“Our education system has a crucial role to play in ensuring that young people do not perpetuate the toxic social norms that facilitate these harmful cycles of violence and abuse. We will ensure that the SPHE curriculum for both junior and senior cycle are appropriately developed and effectively delivered to tackle this pervasive problem.”