Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Chathaoirligh agus a chomh-Sheanadóirí. Ba mhaith liom cead a fháil uaibh an Bille um Fhoréigean Baile (Leasú) (Uimh. 2), 2024 a chur i láthair inniu. Tugann an leasú reachtaíochta seo cosaint agus níos mó príobháideachas dóibh siúd atá ag fulaingt de bharr barraíocht smachta a bheith ag duine éigin orthu.

I seek to amend the Order of Business to take No. 7 before No. 1, whereby I would be permitted, with the leave of the House, to introduce my Domestic Violence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024. The Bill proposes to extend to victims of coercive control the same protection, when attending court, as already afforded to those attending court for a breach of a safety, barring or protection order under the principal Act, the Domestic Violence Act 2018, which I propose to amend. It would place restrictions on those present in court and, in so doing, provide a level of anonymity for victims who are undergoing the severe pressure, and often trauma, of being a complainant in cases of defence of coercive control, and impose some prohibition on the publication of proceedings.

I am seeking the leave of the House to introduce the Bill this morning. I thank my fellow Senators, a number of whom have co-sponsored the Bill.At the appropriate time, at the end of the Order of Business, I will move that my fellow Senators consider allowing me to introduce my Bill.