Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's call for the establishment of a standing committee to deal with civil partnerships and cohabiting couples. It is time the House dealt with this issue. I welcome the fact that Senator Norris is about to publish his Bill and I look forward to seeing it. The time is right to take action on this matter and many Members would support such action. Anything that can be done to bring forward a debate on the issue but also to progress the concept of establishing a standing committee would be welcome.

I attended the launch of the Women's Aid statistics for 2003 this morning. The statistics to which I refer relate to calls received by the Women's Aid helpline. It was alarming to discover that the figures for 2003 show an increase of 23% on those for 2002. Most of the calls received relate to domestic violence in one form or another. This issue is of serious concern to many people and it should be debated in the House. I ask the Leader to provide us with an opportunity to hold such a debate. The Women's Aid helpline needs far more resources because the figures show that it missed well over 5,000 calls. That is frightening and it should be a matter of concern to everyone, particularly if women are trying to access the helpline and the organisation in question does not have adequate funding to provide the necessary resources for its helpline and for legal services. The matter of legal aid and the Legal Aid Board also needs to be discussed. I would appreciate it if the Leader could arrange for a debate on this matter.