Mayo TD welcomes renewed efforts to tackle domestic violence

A Mayo TD has welcomed the publication of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Report on tackling domestic and gender-based violence, describing its recommendations as an important step towards strengthening accountability and restoring the confidence of victims and survivors in the legal system.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said this report reflects many of the issues highlighted by former Mayo garda and domestic violence survivor Margaret Loftus, whose campaign exposed serious concerns about how allegations of domestic abuse involving members of An Garda Síochána have been handled.

Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “I welcome the publication of this important report and commend the committee for listening to survivors and producing twenty-six recommendations that can strengthen protections for victims and survivors, and improve accountability.

“Margaret Loftus has shown extraordinary courage in speaking out and I was proud to support her campaign to raise these issues in the Oireachtas.

"Her determination to seek justice has ensured that concerns about how allegations involving garda members are handled can no longer be ignored. This is as important for the general public as it is for the vast majority of An Garda Siochana who act with integrity.

“The recommendations in this report for greater oversight and accountability within An Garda Síochána are hugely significant.

“These include an independent review of the Fiosrú Specialised Services Unit, mandatory disclosure of domestic violence-related court orders and convictions involving Garda members, the suspension of members under investigation for domestic or sexual violence, restrictions on promotions and appointments to sensitive roles where credible allegations exist, and an independent nationwide study into the prevalence of domestic and gender-based violence involving Garda members.

“The committee’s recommendation to review the operation of the Protected Disclosures Act where there are parallel criminal proceedings is also important.

"Whistleblowers must have confidence that they can come forward without being disadvantaged by gaps in the current system.

“The report also recommends mandatory training on gender based violence for Judges and those working in the judicial system. This is critical to ensure victims get justice for the crime of gender-based violence.

“These are all necessary reforms that can help restore confidence for victims and survivors reporting abuse as well as acting as a deterrent for perpetrators.

“It is essential now that the government acts without delay to implement all 26 of the committee’s recommendations in full.”