Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McDonald. Absolutely, step one is to get Tori and her mother, who is out there actively supporting her at this very distressing time, home. For this to happen, the travel ban needs to be lifted. It is the current block in terms of Tori coming home. The immediate request and demand of Ireland is that this happens. With regard to the issue of legal representation, I am advised that free legal aid will be made available but I share Deputy McDonald's view that it should not arise because Tori is not a criminal. She needs to get home. She has been a victim of gender-based violence. The free legal aid is there but it should not arise, in my view.

We have had a lot of worthy and important discussion in the House. Indeed, a debate has just concluded in the past few minutes on the issue of a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. We take this approach to Irish citizens who live here and we expect it to be afforded to all Irish citizens across the world. In addition, we also expect to be a country that will continue to speak up, speak out and advocate for a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence for any woman anywhere in the world. The most important thing right now in the Tori Towey case is to get her home, get her back to Ireland and get the travel ban lifted. I will continue to engage with Deputy McDonald and keep the House informed.

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