Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator Mulcahy for his open and honest contribution on domestic violence that he gave at yesterday’s justice committee. Fianna Fáil joins with other Members in offering support to the Senator and to legislation, whether amending or new, to criminalise this quiet act going on across the country. It not only affects women and children but also men, a point some forget. Men are bullied and beaten in their homes. It affects every segment of a family and should be criminalised. I am horrified. Until Senator Mulcahy’s contribution yesterday, I did not realise it was not a criminal matter. I encourage the Senator to bring forward legislation in this regard as a matter of urgency which Fianna Fáil will support.

I attended yesterday’s presentation by the Irish Postmasters Union in Buswells Hotel, as did many other Members. It would be a sad day for rural communities if our post offices were forced to close because they were not given the opportunity to tender on a level playing pitch for State services.