Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As previous speakers stated, this is a crucial Bill which should be implemented as quickly as possible to assist the most vulnerable. We see victims of domestic violence in our clinics day in and day out.

The statutory guidelines which judges will take into account when deciding to make an order are crucial, especially with the definition of violence placed in context. The guidelines will help applicants and their representatives to present their case. This means the most vulnerable applicants and their dependent children will be better served by the justice system when they face the risk of serious harm by the perpetrator. It is important that people are able to have someone accompany them to court, particularly where they have young children.

I have been contacted in my clinic by people who have paid €130 for free legal aid. Once they hand over what we describe as a "slip" to a solicitor, they must pay another €130 if they seek a maintenance order within six months. This should not happen in cases where people must go to court again because a partner does not make maintenance payments. I ask the Minister to address this issue.

Almost one in three Irish women - 31% - experience some form of physical violence, while 70% do not contact services, including the police, following violence. We are at the top of the European table in this regard. An awareness campaign is needed in this area. The most vulnerable in society must be made aware of their entitlements and provided with help. There is no women's refuge in Carlow, my local area. This means people seeking refuge in the area are sent to Kilkenny or Waterford, which is unacceptable. Every town should have a refuge for women with young children who are the most vulnerable in society. The barriers facing women in fear of losing their children who do not have money or a place to go and do not want to break up their family cause low self-esteem, depression and feelings of anxiety and guilt. Moreover, women in this position lose confidence.

I recently encountered a woman who broke up with her partner as a result of violence. They had been renting a home for years but because her name was not on the lease she could not obtain a barring order. This issue needs to be addressed in legislation. A woman with small children whose name does not feature on the tenancy agreement cannot secure a barring order against her partner.

Everybody has spoken about how important and serious domestic violence is and it is vital, therefore, that the House pass the Bill as quickly as possible. I thank the Minister for coming to the House.