Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her attendance. What is distinctly unique about this Bill is not that it is the first Bill to pass all Stages in the Seanad in this Government, but that it is probably going to pass unanimously. It would be courageous if we all could work collectively together on issues we agree on, without me taking credit, someone else taking credit, or the Sinn Féin Party taking credit. There are myriad issues that we all recognise in Irish society and a hell of a lot of them unfortunately affect women. Working courageously together and collectively passing the legislation we all think we need would be a fine legacy for this Oireachtas, for both the Seanad and the Dáil.

I thank the Minister for her co-operation on this Bill because, as she is well aware, that does not always happen. I would like her to outline the Government's plans, and her own plans, with regard to the timeline for the passing of the Bill. Obviously, none of us can take it through the Dáil. The only person who can do that is the Minister. I ask her to outline the timelines and when she expects to bring the Bill before Dáil Éireann. We all look forward to the day when the unique charge of stalking, which is distinctly different from harassment, will be on our Statute Book.The way some of our State agencies deal with women and victims of sexual and violent crime is still a major issue. I am dealing with a lady, a tenant of Dublin City Council, who was put out of her house because she was a victim of domestic violence. The council’s answer is for her to give up her tenancy in order to make herself homeless, let the council find new accommodation for her and leave the perpetrator of the violence in the home. We have a long way to go. A myriad of legislation is needed to make sure we have equality in this country. Today is a good start. I thank Senator Chambers for her work on this Bill.