Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá fáilte ar ais roimh an Aire Stáit, go h-áirithe don ócáid seo. I reiterate the words of thanks and commendation to the Minister of State and his officials. In a week that understandably and justifiably has not been the best for the Department of Justice and Equality, the passage of this legislation through the Seanad, as Senator Clifford-Lee rightly said, sends out a very clear message and acts as a beacon of light and shows that the Seanad takes this issue very seriously. While it is right for us to recognise the work put in by the Minister of State, his departmental officials, NGOs, Senator Kelleher and Members across the Chamber, it is important also to remember the role of our support staff in assisting us. They have been critical to the process. It is welcome that Senator Kelleher's support staff have been so helpful to all the rest of us in that regard. I say fair play and thanks for that help in this instance.

It is good to be positive and to welcome the passage of the Bill through the Seanad and onward to the Dáil but I am reminded of the people who are at the heart of it and who no doubt will continue to be affected, namely, the survivors of domestic abuse, and who unfortunately will experience it in the future. This is an important Bill that is going through the House today and it is one on which we can all be rightly proud of our own contribution. A change in the law is welcome. It is good and necessary in this instance but my hope is that it will bring about a change in culture and attitude within the State and as an enabler, and something that gives the capacity to the Garda and the Judiciary to put away and act accordingly against those who would, as Senator Clifford-Lee rightly said, prey on people within relationships.