Fianna Fáil Party Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl has called on the government to sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention aimed at combating violence against women. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl made the comments after raising the matter in the Dáil with the Tánaiste.
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl said, “The Istanbul Convention aims to combat violence against women and bring an end to domestic abuse. It recognises violence against women as being a violation of human rights and ensures that states are held responsible if they do not respond adequately to such violence.
“To date over 35 countries have signed the convention. Unfortunately Ireland is coming late to the table and the government is yet to give a concrete timeline as to when it will sign the convention.
“I raised the matter in the Dáil with the Tánaiste and asked her to outline the government’s plan for signing the convention. In particular I queried as to why the Taoiseach has yet to establish a cabinet sub-committee to deal with the issue despite previous reports indicating that he would do so.
“Unfortunately the Tánaiste was unable to outline any timeline as to when the government intends on signing the convention despite acknowledging the importance of doing so. I call on government to outline when exactly it will sign and ratify the convention. Bringing an end to violence against women must be a top priority” said Deputy Ó Fearghaíl.