Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and his staff for all the work they have done on this matter but I also acknowledge the work that was done by the Oireachtas committee a number of years ago on domestic and sexual violence. The committee produced a report. I thank in particular Senators from all parties, especially the Independent Senators, some of whom have made a very valuable contribution, and all of their support staff.

Drafting any piece of legislation takes a lot of time and commitment on the part of people who are really committed to what they believe in. Drafting amendments is not only about trying to get them through but getting people on the other side and the Department on board. Senators succeeded in doing that. Credit must be given to all those involved, both Senators and their support staff and the Minister of State for being prepared to listen.

Sometimes due to the way the Oireachtas has been structured, it has been very much a case of accepting what has been produced and there is a reluctance to accept amendments. In this case the amendments were accepted and they are the right way forward. In the mid-1970s in this country there was very little legislation on family law and domestic violence and it has been a slow process. The Bill is a very valuable one which provides the necessary protection for people who have suffered domestic violence.