Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste to the House. This is exceptionally important legislation, on which people have worked hard. I echo the point that it always seems to be the same people who do the heavy lifting. I commend the non-governmental organisations which have supported Senators in drawing up amendments. As everyone, including the Tánaiste, will agree, all of the amendments have been tabled with the best of intentions with a view to improving the legislation. Once implemented, the Bill must work in the courts and must, therefore, be legally proofed. This is where the good offices of the Tánaiste and the Attorney General come into their own as it is their duty and responsibility to ensure the legislation stands up to scrutiny.

I was struck by the example of domestic violence cited by Senator Murnane O'Connor involving a couple with small children who were renting a house and one partner's name was not on the lease. This is a practical example of the difficulties people experience. We have a responsibility to close loopholes such as this in a way that protects vulnerable women. In the majority of cases where couples rent a house, the names of both partners will be on the lease. When the name of a woman with small children who is cohabiting but in a violent relationship and clearly lives in a property is not on the lease, it is reasonable to expect the State to provide protection. I have not encountered similar cases. Other speakers made similarly strong points. I encourage the Tánaiste to consider the contributions to this debate and identify how the legislation can be enhanced on foot of all of the concerns expressed by Senators. She must ensure the Bill stands up when, as is unfortunately always the case, it ends up in the courts.