The Justice Minister says there's been an increase in the cases of domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis.
Last month, gardaí reported a 20% increase in calls related to domestic abuse compared to last year - believed to be a result of people being confined to their homes because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In the Dáil today, a number of TDs raised concerns that people in abusive situations have been unable to get away from their abusers.
Fianna Fáil's Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said the public health situation "has put lives at risk from domestic violence".
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said it the issue is a particularly concerning aspect of the past few weeks.
He told the Dáil: "I spoke to gardaí on this issue yesterday.
"It seems to me... from feedback that I have received, that this is one issue where there has been an increase in criminal activity.
"I think it should be a concern to all of us - it certainly is a priority to me."
He noted there was a recognition from the early stages of the pandemic of the "added risk and a real sense of fear" for domestic abuse victims as they were being asked to stay at home.
He also said the child and family agency Tusla has put in place measures for refuge accommodation for families suffering domestic abuse, with other support agencies and frontline services "standing together" to support victims.
Domestic abuse victims have previously been told they can breach the restrictions on movement if they need to get out of harm's way.
An awareness campaign called 'Still Here' is also continuing to assure victims support services are still available, with full details available on a dedicated website.
