Ms Ailbhe Smyth:

Absolutely. Legislation differs between North and South and the two judicial systems do not work in identical ways. However, there is a lot of common ground. What is very similar North and South is that it is very difficult for women going through those systems. I understand there is quite a lot of co-operative work going on in this regard. Certainly, there is an exchanging of information between Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland and Women's Aid here. They are both organisations that have huge service responsibilities. Having the space and time to look at the co-operative work that could be done requires some separate funding because of the service responsibilities in each case. I am chair of Women's Aid at present. I know it does not have a spare halfpenny. Having meetings with our colleagues in Belfast or Derry is very important but it is really hard to find the staff and time to do it, and it is just as hard for those colleagues in the North. The possibilities in this regard absolutely are there. However, we are in an emergency situation every single day. I do not have to tell the Deputy that. To see some focus of attention being placed simply on that one area would be absolutely incredible. It really would be fantastic.