Cllr Eilis Ryan, Workers’ Party candidate in Dublin Central, today represented the party at the launch of SAFE Ireland’s manifesto which seeks to put violence against women on the political agenda as parties prepare for next week’s General Election.
Cllr. Éilis Ryan
Speaking after the event, Cllr Ryan said: “Women throughout Ireland have long been facing a violence crisis. This crisis was exacerbated by the economic crash and the austerity response, which has left women in crisis situations with ever fewer options as supports have been withdrawn or cut.”
“Austerity has stripped women on economic autonomy, making it harder and harder for them to leave abusive relationships. “In the short term, the Workers’ Party fully endorses SAFE Ireland’s call for an immediate injection of €30 million into the various supports for victims of domestic violence”.
“Essentially, however, this must be accompanied by investing in the types of public services which give women in abusive relationships economic security, and enable them to leave those relationships when they do so.”, said the Workers’ Party councillor.
“Without adequate investment in public housing, a reversal of lone parents’ cuts, and investment in decent jobs and education opportunities, women will remain trapped in abusive relationships”
“All parties agree that domestic violence must be a priority for the next government – but goodwill is not sufficient. It is a willingness to commit sufficient, public funding to the supports required, that will ultimately make Ireland a safer place for survivors of domestic violence.”