John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I echo what Senator O'Meara said. I compliment the Minister of State who seems to have taken on board many of the concerns expressed in the Seanad when this Bill was previously discussed here. I refer in particular to amendment No. 51 which deals with the issue of an accompanying person. This is an area in respect of which all Senators received correspondence. I am delighted the Minister of State has included this provision.

I echo the questions put by Senator O'Meara regarding the in camera rule. That was the second part of the two major issues raised with Senators by the bodies that deal with domestic abuse. It is important that the Minister of State should clarify the position in that regard.