Video: Domestic violence needs an urgent response from Irish government

» Mark Moloney

"Domestic violence is a very real and increasing problem for women and their children that needs an urgent response from government"

FINE GAEL and Labour must deliver on their Programme for Government promises of consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation, Mary Lou McDonald has told An Phoblacht.

With one in five women experiencing domestic violence, Mary Lou criticised  the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, who "has stated on regular occasions that he has more urgent legislative matters to attend to in respect of the troika programme".

She also called for more work to be done in overcoming legislative and administrative difficulties preventing Ireland from signing-up to the European Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

"Domestic violence is a very real and increasing problem for women and their children that needs an urgent response from government, not just in delivering on its legislative commitments but also in ensuring the necessary supports and services are appropriately resourced," she said.