Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a short but nevertheless important Bill that we dealt with by way of Second Stage prior to Christmas. It is the final piece in the patchwork that will enable this country to sign the provisions of the Council of Europe convention on the prevention and combating of violence against women and domestic violence, known as the Istanbul Convention. The definition of "convention state" is clear in the Bill, namely, a state other than Ireland that is a party to the convention. The Bill deals primarily with combating violence against women and domestic violence. I hope that Seanadóirí will assist in the swift passage of legislation and urge them accordingly.