Mick Clifford: Where’s the zero tolerance minister?

While the Justice Minister's commitment to tackle gender-based violence is welcome, Mick Clifford highlights some areas around the issue that have yet to come under the spotlight

One woman who had accessed the family law courts in Co. Kerry has alleged that the since-retired Judge James O'Connor (pictured) rang her and texted her on a few occasions to meet up. Photo: Domnick Walsh

On Thursday last the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was on the radio, talking about “zero tolerance” for gender-based violence.

“I have committed to doing everything in my power to support the criminal justice system, to support victims in coming forward,” she told Claire Byrne on RTE 1. “This is about a societal change, it’s about men standing up, it’s about women standing up and saying we won’t tolerate this anymore.”