2. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to the findings of a report (details supplied) that front-line services were contacted 32,144 times, being an increase of 12% on 2023, that 44% of women surveyed were not satisfied with their initial engagement with An Garda Síochána and that its response to more than 65,000 contacts received last year was inconsistent, the urgent steps he is taking to achieve zero tolerance of violence against women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36323/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

The Minister is very familiar with the latest Women Aid's report. What will he do, given the significant increase in contacts with Women's Aid and that 44% of women said they were not satisfied with their initial engagement with An Garda Síochána? The response is inconsistent from the Garda in relation to the 65,000 contacts received. What steps is the Minister taking in relation to the zero-tolerance policy of the Government?

Sentiment score: 0.15

I followed this up myself since I joined the Dáil in 2016. We had a task force in 1996 and Eithne FitzGerald was the Labour Party Minister of State at that stage. Ever since, we have been playing catch-up. I am not reassured that the Garda now has courses in place. It was acknowledged by the Garda when it was before us at the public accounts committee recently and further details will be sent to us on the improvements that would be made. Women's Aid tells us its own services are overstretched and underfunded. I am lost for words because I have spoken about it so often. The level of violence is horrific. We should drop the word "domestic". There are not even refuges in each county. In a sense, that is the wrong way to be going. We have to go that way but that removes the woman from the house as opposed to the offender. One of the top recommendations from the task force in 1996 was that we needed to have an intervention strategy in relation to the perpetrator. That has never happened and the figures have grown exponentially despite all the strategies and legislation.

Sentiment score: -0.15

I disagree. The Garda is doing a good job through the protective units but I disagree with the Minister that things have changed in terms of societal attitudes. The Minister could do certain things and act very quickly. He could act regarding the domestic violence register he promised. He has given me no timeline for that. Women’s Aid has consistently stated the strongest legislation will not make a difference, even if it is enforced, without a complete overhaul of our approach to violence - I am not going to use the word “domestic” - or to crime. There should be mandatory training for gardaí at every level. In the 21st century, we should not be talking about protective units that are good while the general body of gardaí do not have mandatory training in this area. Family law needs to be overhauled. It is described by Women's Aid and other organisations on the ground that are expert in this as disempowering. Going through the process adds to the abuse. There are practical things Deputy O’Callaghan, as the new Minister, can do now that will make a difference.

Sentiment score: -0.17