Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We hear from applicants who are deeply traumatised by the length of time it takes to go through court processes, the multiple times they may appear before the courts and the lengthy delays between court hearings in hearing applications for orders. There is real concern about a lack of consistency and exercise of discretion by judges which is too unstructured.

Judges have spoken about the lack of guidance, and the Law Society's recommendation was about legislative guidance by way of criteria on the factors to be taken into account by a court hearing an application for any type of domestic violence order. That is what we are seeking. It is very clearly coming from a range of interests and stakeholders. It would improve the quality of the decision-making process in this very important area and would improve the Bill, if the Minister of State was to give consideration to it.