merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny cuts the ribbon at the DRCC as Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, DRCC Chief Executive Ellen O'Malley Dunlop and DRCC Chairperson Ann-Marie Gill look on

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) on Leeson street today to mark the opening of the building as the DRCC's permanent home. 

After the premises was put on the market for sale, the DRCC was able to buy it thanks to benefactor Brendan McGonnell. Mr McGonnell passed away recently, and the building has been named in his honour.

The DRCC has said it has seen many more victims of rape and sexual abuse come forward since the publication of reports such as Ferns, Ryan, Murphy and Cloyne over the past 10 years. 

DRCC Chief Executive Ellen O'Malley Dunlop said of the opening:

It is a great honour for all of us especially for the clients of the centre, to have the Taoiseach with us today.  His presence demonstrates his support for the important work that is delivered by Rape Crisis Centres.  Today is a celebration for all the victims of sexual violence and for all who work in the Rape Crisis Centre.

Speaking at the opening, the Taoiseach said,

The work, care and commitment of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is exemplary, not alone the work of the staff, but of the volunteers, who have always been the beating heart of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Within that strong, compassionate, quiet yet listening, care they have held thousands of men and women, keeping them safe while they came to terms with their shattering experience. With the help of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, those who have been so devastatingly hurt can begin to heal and start to put their broken lives back together.

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Read the Taoiseach's speech from the opening here.