Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also join in extending condolences to and expressing ongoing solidarity with the families of the Berkeley victims and their wider circles.

I want to ask the Tánaiste about the consolidated domestic violence legislation. Yesterday she participated in the launch of the report of Women's Aid which set out the latest round of absolutely horrifying statistics. She and I both know that this is not about statistics; it is about real people and real lives. Therefore, it is a source of great concern that the legislation has been stalled for so long. It is listed in the legislative programme under the heading of "All Other Legislation". It has been noted that the outcome of the pre-legislative scrutiny was reported on in September 2015. Will the Tánaiste tell us when we will deal with the legislation and get it onto the Statute Book?

The Tánaiste will be aware of this issue, not least because she has been talking to people within the community of the north inner city about it. It concerns the illegal trading of prescription drugs. It is welcome that it is the intention to legislate in that regard, but may we have a timetable as to when we will deal with it? I would like to think we will deal with the matter before the House rises for the summer.

As the Tánaiste will be relieved to hear, we say to the Government that, in the event of a Brexit, the issue for us is not simply about trade with the neighbouring island; the more immediate concern is that the country remains partitioned. I appeal to the Government should a Brexit happen that time and consideration be given and collaboration pursued to develop an understanding of the implications for a country that suffers, economically and socially, because of partition.

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