Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What he outlined is relevant to a case in respect of which proceedings have begun. Sometimes an allegation is made but that does not mean proceedings have begun or are ever likely to begin. Often what we find in domestic violence cases is that the allegation is made, but because of the fear and the dominance of one of the parties, one party will not initiate proceedings. However, sometimes the visible effects can be seen.

The letter from Women's Aid, which as far as I know was sent to most Members of the House, gave the example of "Abigail (not her real name) [who] spoke about her experience of going through mediation with her abusive ex-husband":

After the separation, they were both in court to deal with custody of and access to their children. Her ex-husband began arguing, while she sobbed and when the judge intervened, her ex-husband said he wanted to attend mediation. The judge agreed. Abigail didn't feel she could object, so she went along. Her ex-husband turned up an hour and a half late. When mediation started, he began "shouting and roaring", cursing and saying the children did not want her. Every time Abigail tried to speak he would stand up and shout over her. The mediator eventually ended the session and said they could reschedule when he had calmed down. The mediator went out and spoke to the receptionist, while Abigail's ex-husband waited by the lift for 10 or 15 minutes. The mediator took her out another door and brought her to a Women's Aid office nearby for support.

We should insert the provisions in this amendment just to give additional protections. The Minister says those protections may already be there but this amendment would make it very clear what is intended.

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