Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the sentiments expressed by previous speakers. It is a good day when we see Private Members' legislation go through the House having been accepted by the Government. It reinforces the importance of this House.

I commend my colleague, Senator Chambers, on all the work she has done to date. It results from her horror at hearing the stories put out by Una and Eve about their experiences. It is important that the victims of crime can highlight their situation and that we, as legislators, respond to this shortcoming in our legal framework in order that their efforts do not go to waste and good legislation is passed and implemented.

As Senator Chambers pointed out, a number of steps will have to be put in place for the Garda so that gardaí understand how the victims of this particular crime should be dealt with. This legislation is an important step on the road to solving the issue of violence against women in this country. It is only one step and many other steps need to be taken, but it is an important step. It recognises the seriousness of the crime. Stalking should not be ignored. It is a serious crime and has serious consequences for the victims thereof, but it can lead on to even more serious crime.

Well done to Senator Chambers. I thank the Minister for being open to this legislation and hope that more Private Members' Bills from this side of the House will pass with the approval of the Government.