Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Private Members' Bill brought forward by Sinn Féin. It is hard to believe one in three women in Ireland is affected by domestic violence. It is not confined to class, age, race, sexuality, religion or disability.

Reading again through speeches given by Deputies O'Reilly and McDonald in debates in November, I have learned the legislation brought forward by Sinn Féin is for ten days of domestic violence paid leave. This enables the victims to take the time they need to seek support, find accommodation or attend court. This can be a traumatic time for victims who are often vulnerable. When a person has a supportive employer, he or she should feel he or she is more cared for in the community.

I welcome the fact the debate is being opened up by creating workplace awareness of domestic abuse. I welcome also the three Rs approach for employers, that is, recognise, respond and refer. This is certainly a useful template with which to start. I have listened to all the debates this evening and all I have heard is employer-employee. Domestic violence does not stop with the employer and employee. Domestic violence can be one parent working in the home.

I commend this Bill but it does not go far enough. People who are self-employed or who are in a one-income family suffer from domestic violence. Housewives and househusbands are suffering from domestic violence. Therefore, if we must have legislation, it must cover everybody, whether working or self-employed, a househusband or housewife or whatever a person works at. There must be a system where no matter what, people can avail of a service that can help them and their families and protect them and their lives. That is what we need. I would, therefore, propose an amendment to cover all people, no matter what employment they are in or even if they are not employed.

I come from a rural background. For many years, a housewife could be at home depending on an income coming in, whether from a farm or from whatever business the family is in. We must, therefore, get this right so it covers people who are not even in employment, or who are employed within their own homes caring for their children and have made the selfless act to do so. We must make sure everyone who is vulnerable and suffering from domestic violence, even if he or she is not an employee or is self-employed or unemployed, can avail of the services. I would like to see the Government get this right. We must have supports for every single person who is suffering domestic violence. There must be a gender balance. No matter what situation a person is in, this must include everyone to make sure people know they can make that call, whether it is to a helpline, to get to where they need to go or to have an income to support them while they are going through this traumatic experience. I am, therefore, asking the Government to make sure amendments are made so that this covers everyone.

I welcome this Sinn Féin Bill, as it is definitely a step in the right direction, but we must make sure everyone who suffers from domestic violence is covered, regardless of whether he or she is an employee, an employer or otherwise.

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