Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 13:

In page 13, line 25, after "violence" where it secondly occurs to insert "and acts of domestic violence".

This amendment proposes the insertion after the word "violence", where it secondly occurs, the words "and acts of domestic violence". This would ensure that persons suffering from domestic violence have clarity with regard to their rights in terms of protection.Amendment No. 128 states: "In page 54, line 28, after "be" to insert "unless the person ceases to be a family member because of domestic violence".". The rationale behind this amendment is that partners of applicants given permission to reside in the State are often fearful of reporting domestic abuse for fear of losing their right to remain in the State as a family member. This amendment would allow such person to report domestic violence and not lose his or her permission to reside in the State. The Minister of State mentioned that many of the amendments tabled are humanitarian. This amendment is not only humanitarian but necessary so that people will not be afraid to report domestic violence.

Amendment No. 131 states: "In page 56, line 12, after "subsist" to insert ", unless the marriage or civil partnership ceases to subsist because of domestic violence". This amendment provides for an exemption in cases where victims of domestic violence would otherwise be reluctant to report abuse for fear of losing their refugee status and adds clarity to the current situation with regard to domestic violence being a factor in defining a vulnerable person.

Amendment No. 143 states: "In page 57, line 25, after "subsist" to insert "unless the marriage or civil partnership ceases to subsist because of domestic violence".".

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that due regard is had to persons subjected to domestic violence specifically.

The next amendment in the name of Deputy Mac Lochlainn is amendment No. 147 states: "In page 58, line 4, after “violence” to insert “including domestic violence”. The same rationale applies, which is to ensure that due regard is had to persons subjected to domestic violence specifically. All these amendments are intended to ensure people will not be afraid the reporting of domestic violence will have adverse consequences for them.

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