Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
198. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken by the Department to monitor and tackle femicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that women, who are disproportionately victimised by this heinous type of behaviour, receive the highest standards of protection and support are absolute priorities for me. These commitments lie at the heart of the Third National DSGBV Strategy, and this Government is working in partnership with An Garda Síochána and stakeholders across the DSGBV sector to enforce a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to violence against women and girls.
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence including by:
• Increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This represents an increase of €12 million year on year.
• Launching the final implementation plan of the Third National ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy, the most ambitious national DSGBV strategy to date, last June.
• Increasing funding for Cuan and for community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of additional refuge spaces and safe accommodation while also providing stronger supports for victims.
I have also brought forward legislative measures that will, in certain situations, remove guardianship rights from individuals convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child.
In October, I secured Government approval to progress the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025. One of the key measures in this Bill is the establishment of a publicly accessible Register of Domestic Violence Judgments, which will be published by the Courts Service. This register will allow those who are considering entering a relationship with someone to know if that person has a history of domestic violence convictions.
Separately, my Department commissioned the Independent Study on Familicide and Domestic & Family Violence Death Reviews, which was published in May 2023 and contains 212 recommendations. These recommendations fall into three broad areas: the establishment of Regional Multi-Agency Critical Planning and Response (MACPAR) Teams; the development of Domestic and Family Violence Death Reviews; and a range of wider policy, training, data and support measures.
In 2024, a structured consultation process was undertaken to identify implementable recommendations. This involved a Family Consultation Group comprising bereaved family members, a cross-functional Interdepartmental Group, and an Advisory Group representing relevant civil society organisations. The groups met monthly from June 2024 and examined the recommendations in detail. It was acknowledged throughout that a number of recommendations are already being progressed through wider initiatives, including the ‘Zero Tolerance’ Strategy and ongoing criminal justice reforms.
Further work is underway, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, to scope the establishment of MACPAR teams in each Garda region. These teams are intended to coordinate multi-agency responses following incidents of domestic homicide or familicide and to ensure consistent, compassionate and effective support for families nationwide. I have also directed that work on Domestic Homicide Reviews be prioritised. While the precise model recommended in the Study, which is based on the UK system, may not be directly transferable to this jurisdiction, alternative operational approaches suitable to the Irish context are actively under consideration.
My Department also continues to invest in communications, education and awareness initiatives, in line with the objectives of the ‘Zero tolerance’ Third National DSGBV Strategy. In February 2025, I launched the 'Hardest Stories' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, encourage victims and survivors to come forward, and challenge the culture of silence that can allow abuse to escalate.
