Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is no excuse for domestic violence, and while it is women who are in the main the victims of such abuse, men may also be victims, and we should not forget that.

The Domestic Violence Act 2018 has some welcome provisions. For example, section 29 allows a court to recommend that a perpetrator of domestic violence engage with certain services, such as a programme for perpetrators of domestic violence, addiction services, counselling or psychotherapy services, and financial planning. These are essential services, the provision of which assist all concerned. They are particularly important for victims and their families who need to be safe in the knowledge that perpetrators have engaged with professionals to address their abhorrent behaviour. Are these services readily and speedily available? Are they provided free to those of limited means?

My next question relates to section 5(2)(p) of the 2018 Act. This section allows the court to take into consideration whether the victim of domestic abuse is economically dependent on the perpetrator. While I understand that section 15 allows for maintenance applications to be heard together with the Act of 2018, there will, given the necessity for speed in applications of domestic violence, be circumstances in which the application for maintenance under the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976 may have been overlooked or may not be before the court at the same time. Where this scenario arises, there should be provision in the Act to allow a court to make the equivalent of a financial maintenance order without the necessary paperwork, if only on an interim basis. Will the Minister outline his thoughts on implementing such a provision?

Whereas ex parteapplications for interim orders in domestic violence cases are heard expeditiously, the hearing of final orders can take as long as six months, and longer in some instances. Delays cause great anguish for victims and all parties concerned. Does the Minister accept that such delays are unacceptable and will he tell the House how he intends to address the matter?

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