Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his work. It has truly been a great experience to work alongside him and other colleagues in the House to produce this groundbreaking legislation. I pay particular tribute to Senator Kelleher who has been to the fore in this debate, assisted by many other people in this House and civic groups. It is a wonderful example of collaborative work.

It is great that a signal will go out from these Houses that predators are no longer safe in Ireland, people who prey on other people within relationships and within their own homes will have nowhere left to hide.

I take this opportunity to again raise the issue of civil legal aid and the minimum contribution waiver for all applicants in domestic violence applications in the District Court. It is very important and it would be a very welcome step forward. It is not going to affect the budget hugely or a significant number of people but it will greatly enhance the ability of people to seek redress before the courts. I ask the Minister of State to consider that in line with the Bill.