Today's funding announcement of €5.25m for organisations supporting victims of crime sends two clear messages: First, our services on the ground in the Midlands are providing vital and effective services for victims of crime within high standard governance structures and second, this Government is fully committed to supporting a victim centred justice system.

This funding includes €42,500 for Laois Domestic Abuse Service, €21,000 for Accessible Counselling Tullamore, €49,350 for Offaly Domestic Violence Support, €42,000 for Westmeath Support Service and €99,208 for Esker House Refuge. Organisations responded to a call for proposals and I am delighted to see that they have responded with proposals from court accompaniment to counselling.

These organisations have the experience and expertise and I thank them for being so proactive and committed. While I have named those organisations working within the geographical area of Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, there are also organisations' successful in their funding application whose national remit will benefit those living in the Midlands. I urge any victim of crime to reach out - the supports are available and of high quality.

Under Budget 2023, the Department of Justice was also allocated €6.09 million for measures to tackle DSGBV, including through awareness raising and campaigns and funding for perpetrator programmes.

To mark Nollaig na mBan, traditionally a time to celebrate womanhood, I felt a need to reflect on a very serious matter of relevance to women and men and all of us as we try our best at parenting. You can watch my video here.