Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of urgent national importance, namely, the questionable commitment of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to justice for vulnerable members of Irish society, in light of the near withdrawal of services by the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency. The Minister, Deputy McDowell, set the precedent of abandoning vital services when funding for the National Missing Persons Helpline was withdrawn in 2005 and is repeating his actions in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform with his failure to commit to long-term funding for the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency. A full debate on the Minister's ability to deliver justice to the vulnerable must take place in light of these appalling failures.

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