Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I join with the Acting Leader in seconding the amendment to the Order of Business to call on the Minister, Deputy Shatter, to come to the House and address the situation regarding domestic violence against women throughout the country. Some 3,000 or more were refused access to a refuge last year.

I have personal experience of the issue as I chair a group in the north west to advance the establishment of a refuge for Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan where there are currently none. While we in this House are always appreciative of the fact that resources are scarce and a loaves and fishes exercise takes place, clearly common sense would demand that adequate resources are diverted to domestic violence advocacy services throughout the country. The Acting Leader has done work in this area

A refuge is due to open in Kildare but there is no money to run it. There is no money to ensure the speedy opening of a refuge for Sligo, Cavan and Leitrim. Funds should be immediately diverted from less critical areas to ensure refuges can be opened as a matter of utmost urgency. There is no more important issue than the protection of women in society. It is shocking in the extreme that almost 35% of those who presented to refuges last year had to be turned away. It does not take from the good work that was done for the 7,300 who were accepted. We must prioritise these areas.

On the wider issue of resources, I ask for a series of debates in October on the budget preparations so ideas in this House can be brought to bear in the formation of the budget. Clearly resources are an issue but I would like to see them diverted to areas that will have maximum impact for the protection of the vulnerable and job creation.

I fully support Senator Daly. It is shocking in the extreme that Ireland is the laughing stock of Europe for not having taken a view on the 428 submissions made on proposed legislation under the Lisbon treaty. How dare the Taoiseach use as an electoral ploy the proposed abolition of this House? We yearn for the ability and option to contribute to draft EU legislation. One day per week, such as a Monday or Friday when we are not sitting, should be set aside for us to put forward meaningful amendments to proposed draft EU legislation. That is what we are here for and prepared to do.

The Taoiseach, instead of standing over cheap political shots to try to gain votes, should give us the opportunity for the Seanad to be what people say it can be and put forward meaningful suggestions on draft EU legislation, rather than the rubber-stamping exercise the Government has proved itself to be exceptionally good at.