Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are truly privileged to be here today to consider legislation and improve it. Across the House we have done our work with the Domestic Violence Bill and have made many improvements and amendments before the Bill goes onward from us to the Dáil.

The two most significant amendments were those regarding the recognition in law of psychological abuse, where there are no black eyes only hurtful and painful emotional bruises, as the offence of coercive control, and the statutory guidelines.

I want to acknowledge the way we have worked together in the House and behind the scenes, particularly the women, Senators Clifford-Lee, Ardagh, Murnane O'Connor, Bacik, Devine, Conway-Walsh, Higgins, Ruane, Black and O'Sullivan. Men have played their part too, in particular Senator Norris, who is celebrating his longevity in the House today. He has been a brilliant advocate and has kept our eyes focused. I am relatively new to the House and he has been a great voice of experience. I would also like to acknowledge Senator Ó Donnghaile and colleagues from Sinn Féin as well as Senators Craughwell and Boyhan. The Domestic Violence Bill would not have been as improved as it has been without our backroom allies.I acknowledge my own team of Pádraig Rice, Aengus Ó Maoláin and Niina Niemi. We would not be here today, and the women and children and Ireland would be less safe, without the advocacy and ardour of organisations such as SAFE Ireland, Women's Aid, the National Women's Council of Ireland, Barnardos and others. It has been a pleasure and an honour to work with those organisations and to be led by them.

I also thank the officials and especially the Minister of State. Initially, he was very sceptical of some of the things we were putting forward but he did take on board what we had to offer. I thank him for his belief, passion and commitment to women and children, especially those experiencing domestic violence. His determination to make things better and safer for women, children and men too, has been achieved with the Bill. I wish him fair sailing in the Dáil with it. We will keep a very close watching brief and we will remain on hand for advice and guidance.