Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo what other Senators have been saying. I wish to speak on behalf of women in Dundalk Women's Aid with whom I work quite often and who struggle to get out of domestic violence. We heralded this legislation as positive - which it is. However, we are putting up an extra barrier with a potential financial penalty and, possibly, safety risks and a lack of privacy. I cannot remember the number of efforts it takes by a woman to consider leaving a domestic violence situation. The wish and spirit of this Bill is not to put up another barrier or for people to feel domestic violence leave is at arm's length, or that there are risks attached to applying for such leave.I would appreciate it if this were to be examined. It is a little meanspirited.