David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is proposed that we take amendments Nos. 37 to 39, inclusive, together.

The court is required to ensure, as soon as practicable, after making an order under the Bill that a copy of the order is given or sent to the applicant and the respondent. This is provided for in section 16 of the Bill.

The District Court rules, Order 59, Rule 10, states that copies of domestic violence orders shall be sent to the applicant and respondent by ordinary pre-paid post. In most cases, service by post ensures that the applicant does not have to have contact with the respondent.

It should also be borne in mind that the orders provided for in this Bill are civil orders. As such, An Garda Síochána is not normally involved in serving these orders. I do not propose at present to depart from this long-standing situation.

I might come back with a further comment later.