Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairperson. I thank Senator Martin for introducing this legislation. Fianna Fáil welcomes this debate and does not oppose the Bill. A lot of what needs to be said has been said by Senators Martin, O'Hara and Clonan. I do not want to repeat their points but it is important that we acknowledge what this Bill is trying to do to make it easier for people dealing with this awful topic. Yesterday, we spoke about the Offences Against the State Act, juries, non-juries and so on and that we want stuff to be done in public. At the same time, there are times when the public good is better served by doing it in a different way. Senator Clonan outlined the figures and the percentages are shocking. People are living in fear of physical attack, coercive control, being controlled and sexual assault. We as a society need to go a lot further in education from the youngest age that everybody has to respect everybody, has to understand it is not about controlling people and that people are individuals and must be respected. We must work very hard, which I know the Government and Fianna Fáil as a party are doing, working with external stakeholders on how we change a culture in which there is too much misogyny to a culture of respect. Improvement is needed across the legal system to support victims and their families. I am very interested to listen to the Minister. My understanding is there may be some unintended consequences of the Bill but I am sure they can be worked out between Senator Martin and the Minister and her Department. It is important that these topics are addressed and highlighted. I commend Senators Martin and O'Hara on bringing the Bill forward. Equally, we all have a part to play in educating people and ensuring we do not tolerate any level of violence towards anyone. This is particularly about domestic violence and coercive control, courtroom settings and so on but there is far too much domestic violence and violence in our society. It seems to be more prevalent or perhaps we notice it more. It is not okay. We must all learn to live with each other in a way that does not involve violence. I welcome this Bill and we do not oppose it. I thank Senators Martin and O'Hara and all Senators for their contributions.