Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions. What the amendments the Government brings forward today do is ensure that the knowledge and information about the specific impact, in particular in the case of coercive control in terms of control over bank accounts and knowledge of income a victim of DSGBV is receiving, are used to make sure they can be central to a decision taken on the rate. I will repeat what I have said to Senators, I am very clear what I am seeking to achieve by means of the introduction of this legislation, which is an effective system whereby victims of DSGBV can take leave knowing that their salary or income is secure, thereby addressing the issue of poverty. I have no intention of bringing forward a rate that would in any way undermine that goal. I have no intention either of bringing forward a rate that would potentially put victims of DSGBV at risk, as some have suggested would take place if a lower rate was set. I stress that I have no intention of bringing forward a rate that would in any way undermine what we are trying to achieve with this legislation.

A process is in place under the legislation. We have altered that process to make sure the higher level business issues are removed, but most importantly to make sure the input of NGOs is central in the decision-making process. I believe that input in particular will deliver us the outcome we all want, which is an effective DSGBV paid leave provision.