Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following:

- "Seanad Éireann resolves that the Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025 be read a second time on this day 12 months, to allow for the issue of travel supports for victims of domestic and gender-based violence be tabled for consideration by the Government."

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025. I commend Senators Stephenson, Cosgrove, Noonan and Harmon on bringing it forward. This serious, thoughtful legislation rightfully highlights the role of mobility, something many of us take for granted, in supporting those fleeing domestic violence. At its heart, the Bill recognises something that we all must accept as a society: that escaping domestic violence is not just about courage; it is also about access to support, safety and mobility. For too many survivors the cost of transport remains a real barrier to fleeing abuse or attending court, counselling or refuge.

This debate is a valuable one, but more than that, it is necessary. Everyone in this House shares a common goal to ensure that survivors of domestic and gender-based violence are supported by a system that is compassionate, responsive and effective. Fianna Fáil in government has made it clear that we are committed to doing everything in our power to support survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The Bill aligns with that commitment and adds to the suite of supports we are putting in place.

I acknowledge the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary, for engaging with this Bill seriously and respectfully and for proposing a timed amendment that ensures the spirit of the Bill can be realised through a mechanism that is workable and accountable and can be delivered within the broader social protection framework. The amendment will allow for a review and implementation phase to ensure the free travel extension meets its intended outcomes without unintended consequences and is properly targeted at those most in need.

While legislation is vital, we know that funding and service delivery are just as important. Budget 2026 contains a ring-fenced allocation of €80 million to support Cuan, the new statutory agency tasked with tackling and co-ordinating responses to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and to expand the range of services survivors rely on. The investment represents not just numbers on a page but also a meaningful expansion of refuge spaces, outreach workers, counselling services, legal assistance and public awareness campaigns. It is a reflection of our belief that survivors deserve a compassionate wraparound support from the moment they seek help.

I want to highlight the special provisions now in place for survivors to access short-term housing support. Through cross-departmental collaboration, we are ensuring that survivors are not left in limbo when leaving a dangerous situation. Leaving an abusive home often means leaving behind a roof over one's head.That is not a decision anyone should take lightly. That is why we introduced streamlined access to emergency accommodation alongside local authority discretion for housing allocation in cases of domestic violence. These are targeted, trauma-informed supports designed in collaboration with experts on the ground to ensure survivors are not retraumatised by the very system that is meant to help them.

Let me be clear: Fianna Fáil remains fully committed to the implementation of the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This strategy is the most ambitious ever undertaken by an Irish Government because it has to be. It lays out a whole-of-society response, preventing violence, supporting victims, ensuring justice and driving cultural change. From the roll-out of consent educational skills and the increased number of refuge spaces to the enhanced training of gardaí, we are embedding a systemic response that is long overdue. There is more to do and there always will be, but we are moving in the right direction. In closing, I thank the Senators who brought this Bill forward. The free travel scheme extension has merit. With the Minister's amendment, I believe we can move towards a version that is both workable and effective. I again ask the Senators opposite to accept the amendment.