146. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department will take to address and reduce domestic violence, including prevention initiatives, supports for victims, improvements in interagency co-operation; the actions being taken to strengthen law enforcement responses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5985/26]

Sentiment score: 0.16

Domestic violence and abuse is a major issue and a scourge on so many households across this country. What is the Department doing to reduce domestic violence in terms of prevention initiatives, supports for victims and reform of the judicial system in light of the recent case of Margaret Loftus in Mayo?

Sentiment score: -0.73

The case of Margaret Loftus exposes very deep structural problems in An Garda Síochána but also in the judicial system. Her story shows how a victim has been failed, in the first instance by An Garda Síochána and then by the judicial system with regard to how slow and opaque it has been and how that system was weaponised, particularly with regard to the disclosure that was consistently sought by the perpetrator. She stated recently that the judicial system was as traumatising as the abuse itself. Margaret endured over 50 court hearings before a plea was eventually offered - a process that was incredibly difficult for her, her family and her ability to move forward. It is crucial that the process be expedited in these cases to ensure that a victim can begin to live again and move on with their lives.

Sentiment score: -0.38

I very much welcome the movement in terms of more judges. That is crucially important. We also need to ensure there are statutory timelines for these cases. We cannot have a situation where a victim has to go through the courts for more than a decade. It is unacceptable. Domestic abuse is such a horrendous violation for any individual. We should restrict the use of disclosure orders in domestic abuse cases. There is movement on that Bill and we certainly welcome that. This case presents a particular issue in terms of potential abuse and the Department should seriously review it to ensure no victim is retraumatised in the manner Margaret Loftus was.

Sentiment score: -0.16