Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be very clear. If a woman - we are talking about women in the main - or a man who is suffering at the hands of an abusive partner presents at a local office and explains his or her story, that is the end of the road. There is no need for a piece of paper or a barring order. I must state very clearly, as I did a few minutes ago, that we believe women. The inference is otherwise, that somebody might make up a story of domestic violence. That is so distasteful it is not funny. Very clearly, we believe women. If a woman or a man arrives at a local office anywhere in the country and tells the staff about a vulnerable situation, that will be the end of his or her story.

I have already explained to the Deputy that I cannot guarantee her that people will not get letters because it is a function of the maintenance recovery department.

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