Intent: Raise awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. of alcohol and seek its inclusion in new government strategy::Introduction of Operation Encompass as a support for children impacted by domestic violence
Details: Alcohol and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence
Giving evidence on 20 Jan 2026 to the Oireachtas Justice Committee in relation to the introduction of Operation Encompass in their pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 - MeetingEmailSocial Media
Email dated 7th April from Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice invited Interim CEO Christine Lodge to present on Safe Ireland's submission 30th March. Response issued 9th April on Christine Lodge's behalf confirmed Dr. O'Shea would represent Safe Ireland. Opening statement issued by Dr. O'Shea to the Committee Clerk on 13th April. - EmailInvitation from Fianna Fail Policy Officer Sarah Lyons on 4th March by email to CEO Mary McDermott asking her to present at Fianna Fáil roundtable discussion on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party room, Leinster House, on Wednesday 25th March. As Mary retired 6th March, response was issued 16th March on behalf of Interim CEO Christine Lodge which advised she was unable to attend due to a diary conflict. - EmailOn 21st April 2026, Dr Bláithín O’Shea, Law and Policy Manager at Safe Ireland, attended the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to discuss tackling gender-based violence. Dr O’Shea spoke alongside Cuan, Women’s Aid, Men’s Aid, Ms Lauren Reilly and Ms Margaret Loftus, contributing evidence grounded in frontline experience and national law and policy analysis. - Event / Reception
Invitation from Dr. Stephanie O'Keeffe's office 12th January on her behalf which invited CEO Mary McDermott as a member of the advisory group for the National Domestic Violence Survey, to an online meeting on Monday 26th. - EmailLetter dated 10th February from Dr. Stephanie O'Keeffe issued by email on her behalf to Mary McDermott which provided an update on the status of the national survey. - Letter
Emails relating to national and international policy on sexual andreproductive healthand rights. - EmailLaunch of the UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025. - Event / ReceptionMeeting related to national policy on SRHR. - Meeting
Chatted to Taoiseach Micheál Martin at an event on child poverty. - Informal communicationInvitation to speak at the launch of Pavee Point's 16 Days activities emphasising the importance of inclusion of Traveller voices in discussions and decision-making around DSGBV - Email
Intent: Introduction of Operation Encompass - an early intervention programme to support children who have experienced domestic violence. This requires specific legislation which is being introduced to the Oireachtas - General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025.
Brief meetings with Dr Stephanie O'Keeffe and Minister Jim O'Callaghan at Move Ireland event in Wood Quay Venue on 2 Dec - Event / ReceptionReturns include a number of emails sent to the Clerk of the Oireachtas Justice Committee in relation to pre-legislative scrutiny of General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 as it applies to the introduction of Operation Encompass. These have been considered by the members of the Oireachtas Justice Committee listed below. - EmailText messages - Informal communication
Intent: Raise awareness of the role of alcohol in domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and seeking to have this included in policy development in this area.
Details: alcohol and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence
Briefing session held on 2 Oct 2025 in A/V room for members of the Oireachtas on alcohol and DSGBV.Participants from Alcohol Action Ireland, Move Ireland and SAOL Project - Event / ReceptionEmailSocial Media
CEO Transition Plan approved by the Safe Ireland Board issued by Mary McDermott 18th December to Cuan CEO Dr. O'Keeffe. Response from Dr. O'Keeffe 22nd December wishing Mary a happy Christmas and that she will touch base with her in January 2026. - EmailEmail dated 24th November from Mary McDermott to Cuan CEO Dr. Stephanie O'Keeffe notifying her of her intention to retire in March 2026. Response from Dr. O'Keeffe 24th November supported Mary's decision and smooth leadership transition. Email 27th November from Mary to Dr. O'Keeffe thanked her for her support. - Email
