Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised his objections to today's Order of Business. Without discussing the matter at great length, I should point out that I asked that the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002, should be introduced in the House and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform kindly agreed. If Senators pass the Bill this evening it is hoped the Dáil will pass it tomorrow, its final sitting day before Christmas. I put it to the House that the Bill is needed urgently because, if it is not put in place, suitable provisions will not be made until the end of January. It is likely that many sad cases of domestic violence will not be covered by legislation if we refuse to pass the Bill before Christmas. I agree that it is not proper that Bills are rushed and we have tried not to do so in this Seanad up to now, but the Bill I have mentioned, of all Bills—