Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 22 Members of the Seanad who raised matters on the Order of Business this morning. Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom fíorfháilte a chuir roimh an gComhairleoir Brendan Thornhill from Wicklow, who is in the Visitors Gallery. I welcome councillor Brendan Thornhill from Wicklow to the Visitors Gallery.

Senators Ardagh, Devine, Higgins and Coffey raised the issue of domestic violence. I welcome Maria McDonald to the Visitors Gallery and commend her on the work she is doing. It is very important that we have a debate on the issue in this Chamber. Senator Ardagh made reference to Rhona Mahony and to the one in eight women who have to endure domestic violence when pregnant, which is unacceptable. In the SAFE Ireland summit earlier this week we heard that one in four women experience domestic violence and one in two has to endure sexual harassment so I am pleased that, this morning, the Tánaiste is launching a new awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of taking action and how horrible such violence is. The website is whatwouldyoudo.ieand is costing €950,000 over a six-year period, in which time it will aim to raise awareness and to emphasise that we have to stop this behaviour. All of us have a role to play, whether elected or non-elected. It is equally important to put in place extra supports so that women are empowered to come forward to speak of their own experience. I commend in Edel House in Cork, which does Trojan work helping people and their families to emerge from the shadow and the darkness of domestic violence.

The new domestic violence Bill is at an advanced stage and the Minister is committed to it. The public consultation period has closed and the Minister spoke at the launch of the campaign this morning of the impact the Bill have in improving access to barring orders. It will also provide greater support for victims in the courts process in the shape of things such as court accompaniment. It is important that this House, in tandem with the Minister and those working in the area of sexual and domestic violence, sends a strong message that we will not tolerate it. We must all work together to promote a proactive campaign which will be of value to women and children who wish to speak out.

I also acknowledge the president of AILG, councillor Pat Daly, and past president John Crowe, who are in the Visitors Gallery. I commend them on the work they are doing in respect of local councils.