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LIVE BLOG

"I am appalled by it": Taoiseach says domestic abusers "shame manhood"

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin raised the issue of the suicide in Ireland. He says it is time for cross-party co-operation.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is on his feet at 12pm to face questions from the opposition.

We’ll be keeping an eye on all things happening over at Leinster House this afternoon. Join us…

That’s it for Leaders’ Questions today, join us back here tomorrow for more of the live happenings from Leinster House.

You can continue to watch the proceedings in the Dáil here.

I agree with many of your sentiments, says Kenny.

Taoiseach says it “shames manhood” when men beat women.

He says words such as “domestic” and “violence” should never be put together.

He says they “do their nation down”, adding: “I am appalled by it.”

Only last week, the Tanaiste launched the ‘what would you do’ campaign on domestic violence, says Kenny, which he says is about empowerment of the people that witness domestic violence.

Kenny says he has recently spoke to a number of Traveller women who have never spoken about the issue of domestic violence. He says they are working to target that group of women.

The Domestic Violence Bill is at an advanced stage – and will deal with many of the issues raised by Coppinger.

Kenny says such measures include, allowing victims bring a friend into court to support proceedings and allow them to give evidence by video-link.

Ruth Coppinger from AAA-PBP talking about domestic violence against women.

“This issue is barely spoken about in schools and workplaces,” she says.

What does a women who leaves have to gain from living in “Enda Kenny’s Ireland” asks Coppinger.

She said women are being turned away due to the lack of support for services.

Labour’s Brendan Howlin raises concern about labour rights for self-employed and freelancers – including artists, musicians ans journalists.

Kenny says there should not be bogus employers and says the department and Revenue are engaged on the issue and there is a working group dealing with it, focusing particularly of it taking place in the construction industry.

He suggests Howlin brings the bill to the Dáil.

The Labour leader says the issue of bogus self-employers is costing the Exchequer millions of Euros.

“Will the working group be publishing a report and when,” asks Howlin.

Brendan Howlin is on his feet now. He wants to talk about his party’s Competition Amendment Bill.

This deals with bogus self-employment. He asks if acceptance of this bill in the Seanad shows change and asks Kenny to ask the tax authorities to be engaged on the issue.

He asks the Taoiseach to ask Revenue and the social welfare department to identify bogus self-employment.

Enda Kenny says taskforce meetings are going well and young people are speaking opening about what they need and want to see changed.

He says a report will be delivered back next month.

Adams says there are many organisations and says the likes of Bressie and The Rubberbandits have done great work raising the issue of stigma.

But he says 24 care is needed now – stating that it must be a priority of government

“Recognise this as a national emergency,” said the Sinn Féin leader.

Commit now to dealing with this as emergency, Adams tells the Taoiseach.

gerry

Ten years on from the launch of Vision for Change mental health policy, Adams says there is still no 24 hour crisis care.

“I am sure Minister McEntee [the junior minister for mental health] is doing her best,” says Adams, who wishes her well, but says the government needs to give her the resources to do her job.

Kenny says there is an extra €140 million this year.

He says the new taskforces that are being rolled out in communities are making it clear that there is help out there for people that need it.

Gerry Adams says he is disappointed with the Taoiseach’s answer. “There isn’t help out there,” he says.

Highlighting today’s news that there has been a number of suicides in a community in Cork, Adams says the problem is getting worse.

Martin says the government could help more of the non-state organisations that help in this area.

He says young people need positive signals from its leaders that they can make a difference. What can we do in the short-term to show mental health is a priority, to all parties, says Martin.

Enda Kenny says this generation talks about mental health issues more than any generation ever has. He says it is difficult to disagree with Micheál Martin who says more can be done.

The Taoiseach is now talking about the deaths related to mental health illness.

He says the government now has a dedicated minister for mental health services.

He outlines new services that are opening in Cork that will raise awareness and offer help particularly to young people.

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