Sinn Féin Accuse Govt Of Being 'Anti-Woman'

The Fine Gael and Labour government have been accused of being "anti-women" following the news that funding for the Rape Crisis Network Ireland is to be cut.

Sinn Féin's Pádraig Mac Lochlainn described the total funding cut as "devastating".

"This latest cut ... will cripple the vital services that the Rape Crisis Network Ireland provides. It’s simply not acceptable," Deputy Mac Lochlainn said.

"This Government is clearly anti-women. The cuts to lone parent’s payments, maternity services, domestic violence and rape crisis centres are proof of this. Further evidence is the Government’s failure to adequately legislate to address precarious working conditions which mostly impact on women.   

"The Labour Party committed to tackling and eradicating domestic violence and to protect frontline services in its 2011 election manifesto. How is cutting the funding for the RCNI going to protect this service? It is, yet again, the complete opposite of what the Labour Party promised."

Deputy Mac Lochlainn added that the latest figures published by the Rape Crisis Centre show "a substantial increase in the number of people seeking their assistance".

"This is a clear indication that this government should be increasing the funding and resources for rape crisis centres and women’s refuges across the country. The current funding, which already suffered cuts of 30%, was already measly. This latest cut is a step too far. It’s sad to think that this government would put a price on these victims.

"I am asking people to follow the link below and sign the RCNI petition asking TUSLA to reinstate the funding."

(MH)