Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I would like the Minister of State to do something and I will skip through the rest. Would she consider increasing the number of places of safety? I welcome the strategy, but it will only work if we all take responsibility. We need to increase community awareness and send a strong message of zero tolerance of domestic violence. Will the Minister of State also review the legal procedures?

Senator Healy Eames raised some issues, but I wish to raise others. There is a waiting time for obtaining barring and interim protection orders, even where one is eligible to seek them. During the waiting period, the person who has initiated the order is at significant risk because the perpetrator knows there is a pending court action.