Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

This is his chance to show leadership but I regret that this issue may be another M3.

I would like the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Martin Cullen, to come into this House to examine the serious issue of domestic violence. In light of recent tragic events in Omagh and further to a number of calls I received in my Galway constituency I would like to highlight the need for funding to be provided for outreach workers to assist women and children made homeless by domestic violence. Condemnation has been voiced in this House regarding the lashes to which a woman in Saudi Arabia was sentenced. Unfortunately, women are being lashed in this country as well. Will the Leader urgently request the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to come to the House to discuss the budgeting for outreach workers?