Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending the House and for her dedication to the Bill over the course of this Seanad term. I thank also the Women's Council, Women's Aid, Barnardos and Safe Ireland in particular for aiding the Fianna Fáil group in tabling some of its amendments. As many of my colleagues have pointed out, those groups have done a good deal of the hard work on the Bill for which I thank them.

Fianna Fáil supports this Bill to help address the appalling problem of domestic violence and violence against women in all its manifestations. Domestic violence is a deeply traumatising act that demands Government action.

Members who were watching TV on Friday night may have seen the interview with Norah Casey, who bravely outlined her tale of domestic violence. It was thought-provoking and took everyone by surprise. She presents herself as a strong, independent woman. One would never think something like that could happen to her but she was able to outline her story, which was horrific. It is a story to which many of us can relate. We all have a friend who is in a similar situation with a very controlling partner, be it a man or a woman. Getting out of that situation and recognising that the problem exists is very brave. It was very brave of Ms Casey to share her story with us last Friday night. I want to acknowledge that because it hit home.

The Bill aims to improve the protections available for victims of domestic violence. The court process is cumbersome and is the last place a victim of domestic violence wants to go to seek help. Anyone who has been to Dolphin House will know it is very intimidating. The person is kept in a holding cell downstairs where there are crowds of people.The building leaves a lot to be desired and is not the safe place victims need. The operation of the courts, including the system for listing cases, is in terrible shape. While the Bill does not address these issues, it makes it a little easier for victims by providing a right to be accompanied to court. This will shelter victims a little from the deprivation visible in Dolphin House where people living in Dublin must seek safety and barring orders. The provision allowing victims to give evidence by television link is also very welcome.

Victims of domestic violence who are cohabiting with, or are parents of, the perpetrator will be able to apply for an emergency barring order lasting for eight working days. A person who applies for an emergency barring order will not be required to have a greater or equal interest in the relevant property. Many of these provisions will be discussed in detail and the Fianna Fáil group has tabled a large number of amendments with the support of SAFE Ireland. I support the Bill and look forward to the Minister's response to many of the amendments, which have been considered by various groups and are worthy of acceptance.