Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

Will the Deputy Leader take account of the report released by Safe Ireland on the plight of women who are victims of domestic violence? The figures are frightening, with a 40% increase between 2009 and 2010. Record numbers of women are seeking refuge but, unfortunately, a substantial proportion are being sent back to the homes where the abuse was initiated. This is an appalling vista because Safe Ireland believes these figures are merely the tip of the iceberg. Yesterday several Senators praised the role of women in sport, which is laudable. In order that we can deal with this issue of domestic violence as a matter of grave urgency, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Justice and Equality, whose responsibility this is, should come to the House to offer an explanation and some solace to the victims, primarily women, who are suffering in this most distressing situation, and to stem this problem which is spiralling out of control. It is a serious issue and I hope the House would acknowledge the plight of these women and endorse my demand for the Minister to come to the House as a matter of urgency.

Will the Deputy Leader find out what the Government has decided regarding the proposed constitutional convention? When Garret FitzGerald became Taoiseach, he initiated a constitutional crusade, so to speak, and John Bruton established the all-party committee on the Constitution. There was also a constitutional review group. A great deal of work has been done in this regard and I would not like to see the Government renege on its commitment. I recognise there is a difference of opinion between Fine Gael and the Labour Party but I am sure they can be married to proceed with the proposal. It is ironic that we will hold a referendum on judges' pay on the same day as the presidential election. I accept it is a somewhat important issue and that it catches the eye of the public but 80% of judges have already agreed to cuts. The promised referendum on children's rights is much more important. If the general election had not taken place earlier this year, a referendum on this issue would have been held last spring. We face the prospect of holding a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad next year and there is talk of further referendums on bail rights and reducing the presidential term from seven to five years. I urge the Government not to put the cart before the horse. It should hold this constitutional convention as a priority and then hold the referendum on what may be recommended.

I congratulate our colleague Senator Norris on being nominated to run for the Presidency. It is a great honour for this House. I am delighted he is on the field. I congratulate all those, including Dana Rosemary Scallon, who came through the local authority system yesterday. I hope it is a clean campaign and that the Government parties, in particular, will take their beating and----