Wexford councillors yet to receive training on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence a year after approval

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Wexford councillors have yet to receive any training on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) despite mandatory, annual training being approved last August.

Back then, at the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), Labour’s Vicky Barron and Fine Gael’s Bridín Murphy called for training which would “equip councillors with the knowledge and guidance necessary to respond appropriately and sensitively to constituents disclosing experiences of DSGBV, and to effectively advocate on their behalf within the limits of their role”.

Despite the motion being carried by the council, the training has yet to be rolled out by WCC some ten months later. And at the June meeting of WCC, Councillor Barron asked why they were still waiting.

“It was brought up at the AILG (Association of Irish Local Government) conference that we were the first local authority in the country to propose DSGBV training for its members, we were commended for leading the way and paving a path for others to follow,” she said.

“But we still haven’t had that training. It’s really embarrassing that we haven’t had it yet. So when are we going to have that training?”

Explaining that finding an individual capable of providing the training had been proving difficult, chief executive Eddie Taaffe said someone with a unique skillset was required.

“We’re still trying to find a suitable trainer who can encompass the various areas and ensure it’s relevant to elected members,” he said. “That’s the issue at the moment; trying to find someone who is qualified to do the training and has specific knowledge in regard to the role of elected memebrs.

“We will reach out to the AILG and see if it has any suggestions.”