Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support the comments made by the leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, on the establishment of an office for the prevention of domestic violence, under the auspices of the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey. I agree with the Senator's view that the proposal seems to be too narrow in focus. While the establishment of such an office is welcome, it is important that we consider the wider issues. We are all aware that domestic violence occurs in the home. There are other types of violence against women, however, including human trafficking and the use of pornography. We have debated these issues many times in this House.

Will the Leader facilitate a debate at some future date to ensure this office adopts a broad focus? Last week, the National Women's Council of Ireland launched its election manifesto, as it called it, on domestic violence. This manifesto made reference to violence against ethnic minority groups, including Travellers, the trafficking of women and the use of pornography. It is a shame the National Women's Council of Ireland and other organisations have had to beg for funding in recent years. We all want to see action in this regard.

Above all else, the organisations in this area seek adequate funding. They are the groups that work at the coalface, assisting those women who telephone their offices seeking help. For the women whose calls are answered, what is usually sought is protection, which may necessitate moving out of the family home to a safe place. Adequate funding is required to provide those services. The new office must not take the narrow focus that has been evident to date. I hope it will be a step in the right direction of adequate provision to meet the problems that exist in this area.