Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Up to 60% of the abuse within relationships starts under the age of 25 years. It is important, therefore, that young women be made aware of it. I might look for a debate on it in due course. The 2017 Act only came into effect on 1 January and needs time to bed in, but we could have a debate on it later this year, or maybe in January 2020, to examine how the offence of coercive control is being implemented in practice, whether it has brought about a change in behaviour and contributed to greater awareness of the dangers of dating abuse.

I commend our colleague, Senator Lawless, for organising an excellent briefing for those of us on the foreign affairs committee with the new Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone. It was very impressive. It was equally impressive to have present the Irish ambassador to Sierra Leone, Catherine Campbell. It was good to meet the Minister and his officials and hear about the great work the new government is doing to tackle the enormous challenges the country faces in the areas of healthcare, education and food security.