Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton. Senator Bacik is correct that a very useful and important job of work was carried out by the Oireachtas justice committee, under the chairmanship of the Minister of State, when it examined this issue. At the time, the report and its recommendations were groundbreaking, as is this legislation. I was particularly struck by the figures from Women's Aid relating to emotional abuse that were cited by Senator Norris. One can talk about physical abuse and use the traditional phrase that "sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me". That is untrue to a large extent.

Emotional abuse and people playing mind games are extremely serious and happen far too often. Definitions are important. The Acting Chairman has pointed out that there are a number of proposed amendments to the legislation and I agree with him that they will not be dealt with tonight. However, that is good too because these issues must be aired. Where better to get into the nitty-gritty of what is important in legislation than in Seanad Éireann? The amendments are worthwhile and I urge the Minister of State to reflect the recommendations of the report produced by the committee of which he was the Chairman and to put meat to the definitions. Definitions are ultimately decided on by the courts. When a court is deciding on a prosecution or whatever it is usually based on how the definition is interpreted by the courts.

I also acknowledge the representatives of Safe Ireland and the other NGOs who are in the Chamber. My engagement with the NGOs in this area has been fruitful and an informative learning curve. The NGOs do an enormous amount of work that is mostly under the radar and often not recognised. Their input in giving us important briefings for Committee Stage of the Bill is important. Report Stage follows Committee Stage and that is when the Government really responds to what is articulated here. In many cases the good and salient points that make a difference and are articulated on Committee Stage tend to find themselves surfacing, in one way or another, through Government amendments on Report Stage. I sincerely hope that will happen in this case.