Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee and for sharing their insights with us. They are invaluable for us to hear, as a committee. I particularly welcome Ms Mulholland, from West Cork Women Against Violence. The organisation does incredible work in my constituency supporting women and children experiencing violent and abusive situations, as well as providing counselling services, training and outreach. Women's Aid and Saoirse Domestic Violence Services also provide similar life-changing and lifesaving services. In this room, we are all aware of the sheer terrifying scale of domestic violence in Ireland. The Bill from Deputies O'Reilly and McDonald really responds to the issues and realities faced by women and children who are trying to escape violent and coercive situations. I cannot overstate the value of the committee understanding the specific challenges in rural areas, including the complexities of issues like family farms. I know this from when I was first elected to the council and worked with West Cork Women Against Violence on issues around access to things as basic as that. Women used to be able to go to the community welfare office to access emergency accommodation. That changed to Clonakilty, which has had a profound impact on women and their families, keeping people in very dangerous situations. Ms Mulholland raised the need for domestic violence leave to be taken over a staggered period, as appointment times, court dates and housing office appointments do not occur in a convenient, consecutive way. Should that be included in the Bill? I ask her to elaborate on the point about flexibility in taking that leave, if she wishes to add to it. If there is time, I will come back in with more questions.