Thomas Pringle TD
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Pringle raises threat of closure of ‘Lifeline Inishowen’ at Council of Europe

 

Thomas Pringle TD – June 26th 2019

Independent TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle was this week attending the Council of Europe, a human rights organisation based in Strasbourgh, where he raised the ongoing issue of the imminent closure of ‘Lifeline Inishowen’, a domestic violence service in Donegal.

Thomas’ speech coincided with handing over a petition of 1,000 signatures from Lifeline supporters and constituents to Minister for Children Catherine Zappone at Leinster House today.

Speaking at the Council of Europe on the Istanbul Convention Deputy Pringle stated “the Istanbul convention is a very important document for the people of Ireland and should set the standard on how the State deals with violence against women.

“However, Ireland has a long way to go in reaching this standard; the situation facing Lifeline in Inishowen is a case in point. Lifeline Inishowen is being forced to shut down because they do not meet the government model of delivery of services yet they have provided a service in an area that has had no services over the years since the 1960s. They have consistently stepped in where the Government has stepped out.

“We’re talking about women’s lives being at risk in one of the most isolated parts of the country because the Government chooses not to prioritise women and children’s safety. This is unacceptable for a developed country like Ireland.

“One crucial element of the Istanbul Convention is that anti-domestic violence policies must involve government agencies and NGOs, as well as national, regional and local services. The Government must take this seriously by re-engaging with Lifeline, providing financial support  and look into how to sustainable support Lifeline and women affected by domestic violence into the future across Donegal and the rest of the country” concludes Pringle.

ENDS