Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I commend the Leader and the PCC's public consultation process we undertook on Thursday. Nine different groups addressed us to advocate the rights of older people. It was an instructive and enlightening process. We have moved ahead hugely in terms of knowledge about what is required. We heard a great deal about the draft UN convention and the various needs of older people. It is an important part of Seanad reform to engage in this process, not only by having guest speakers like Mary Robinson, who was inspirational last Thursday, but to engage in public consultation with groups, such as the experts with whom we will engage this afternoon. I urge Senators to come in and listen to Professor Gerard Quinn and Professor Roseanne Kenny who are noted leading experts on the rights of older people. It will be an excellent session.

I support others who have called for a debate in the new year on domestic violence. We are in the fifth day of the Women's Aid "One in Five Women" national campaign. This morning I had the privilege of launching a report by the Sonas housing association, entitled "A Safe Space", co-authored by Ms Monica O'Connor and Ms Jane Pillinger. The report calls for the establishment of a women's refuge in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area, which is currently without a full-time refuge. The report has found seriously inadequate provision of refuge spaces in the Dublin area and across the country generally.