New Programme for Government 2025

15 January 2025

pfg 2025

Reacting to the announcement of the new Programme for Government today (15 January 2025) Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said:

“This is not an issue that is going to be resolved without bold ambition, significant funding and a whole-of-Government approach. We are pleased to see our advocacy efforts reflected across a number of different areas such as Education and Justice and that the incoming Government shows a clear commitment in its statement that “tackling the epidemic of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will remain a major priority for the Government”.

“We are particularly pleased to see Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s advocacy on counselling notes included in the draft text. The incoming Government commits itself to amending the law on counselling notes disclosure and I know this will be welcomed roundly by the community of survivors we work with. It is also welcome to see the pledge to continue work on making the criminal justice system more victim-centred, in particular our Courts system, which we often hear is a difficult experience for people who have suffered sexual violence.

“We welcome the commitment to fully delivering the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and to developing future National Strategies, as well as fully supporting Cuan, the new DSGBV agency, to implement them. Frontline services such as Dublin Rape Crisis Centre will require increased resources to deliver the support and care needed to meet increasing demand for our services. It is through this top-down, bottom-up approach, and through partnership between Government and other agencies, NGOs and survivors themselves, that we aim to get in front of the issue of sexual violence.

"We are also very heartened to see a pledge to review the law around consent. A better understanding of consent is critical to creating a future where sexual violence is eradicated and where society is safer and healthier.

“Dublin Rape Crisis Centre looks forward to working with the new Minister for Justice, Home Affairs & Migration to deliver the Programme for Government commitments over the next 5 years.”

There is much more in the Programme for Government and you can read the full text here.

/ENDS

Notes for editors:

  1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.  
  2. The recent Signs of Hope campaign platforms powerful messages of hope and encouragement from survivors to others who have not yet reached out for support – learn more at https://www.drcc.ie/signsofhope/
  3. We-Consent is a long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources at https://www.we-consent.ie/
  4. You can donate towards Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s work on drcc.ie/donate
  5. Other DRCC services and work: 
    • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang
    • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays.
    • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
    • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
    • We provide accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.   
    • We have outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
  6. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.