The Government has approved an in-depth research study on familicide and the supports available for families affected.
Speaking outside Government buildings this afternoon, The Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said former Tusla Chairperson Norah Gibbons would oversee the new study.
Ms Gibbons was Director of Advocacy for Barnardos for over seven years and was a member of the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse which investigated the extent and effects of abuse on children in Ireland.
She was also a member of the Historical Abuse Inquiry in Northern Ireland.
Clodagh Hawe
It comes after requests from the family of Clodagh Hawe.
Three years ago in Ballyjamesduff in County Cavan, Clodagh and her three sons were murdered by her husband Alan Hawe, who then killed himself.
Earlier this year, Clodagh's family called for an inquiry and for the Government to do more to highlight such cases.
They said it was too easy to dismiss them and to throw a 'blanket of silence' over the incidents.
Justice Minister @CharlieFlanagan announces Norah Gibbons as chair of the new study into familicide and domestic homicide in Ireland. pic.twitter.com/IWK56ezNJa
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) May 14, 2019
This morning, Cabinet ministers gave the go ahead to the in-depth research study examining familicide.
It will also look an international best practice when it comes to investigating domestic homicides, and how those might be applied in Ireland.
Familicide
Justice and Equality Minister Charlie Flanagan was expected to use this morning's meeting to tell his colleagues that while familicide is rare in Ireland, it is devastating for the families affected.
He wants clear guidelines in place to support those impacted.
The review team will talk to state agencies, family members of victims and other non-government bodies with expertise.
It is expected the team will take a year to complete its work.
File photo of the Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, 09-05-2019. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNewsSupports
This afternoon, a woman whose two sons were killed by her husband in 2013 welcomed the government study.
However, Kathleen Chada warned that a year is too long to wait for action to be taken.
She said more women and children will die while the study is being carried out - and called for action to be taken as soon as possible.
"In the one year that this review or study will be happening we will have up to ten women killed," she said
"We know that statistically and historically.
"So what happens for those women? What can we do might prevent that from happening in the immediate future?"
She said the study will help build a greater understanding of domestic homicide - but warned that it is essential that the people that are left behind can access greater supports.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article you can access advice or counselling by contacting AdVIC (Advocates for Victims of Homicide) by calling 1800 852 000 or emailing info@advic.ie.
