On Wednesday the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald came to the Seanad to answer questions on the ongoing Garda scandal. I highlighted that "along with the over reporting of road incidents, I would also be very concerned about under reporting of Racist incidents and Domestic Violence. There have been very serious concerns raised about underreporting in these areas".
Sure enough, it has emerged today that there has indeed been large scale under reporting of Domestic Violence.
I also asked the Minister if she would issue a directive under section 25 of the Garda Siochana Act to formally demand 'preservation of all papers and equipment" that might be relevant to an investigation. Shockingly, she previously declined to issue such a directive in relation to the McCabe investigation.
“On the centenary of women’s suffrage, we are again seeking to extend the franchise”, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins welcomes proposals announced today to give every citizen over eighteen a vote in Seanad elections.
Graduates from all third level colleges will also have the right to vote in Seanad elections.
with invited guest speakers:
Christina McKelvie (SNP), Emma Ritch (Engender Scotland) and Eilís Ní Chathnía (NWCI)