Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been provided with quite a detailed response which I will read into the record and which, I hope, will reassure Senators. Before I do so, I reiterate the commitment given by my predecessor to follow up on this issue. While I agree with the general thrust of the amendments, I certainly cannot accept them.

In specific reference to amendment No. 22, the Domestic Violence Act 1996 comes under the stewardship of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald. While I am happy - as was my predecessor on Committee Stage - to discuss what is proposed in this amendment with her, I will not accept an amendment to the legislation without consulting the Minister in advance and giving due consideration to the complex legal matters involved. I reaffirm the commitment to the effect that we will follow up on this matter in view of the genuine sentiments expressed by Senators.