Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. This is the Cross-Party Group's fourth piece of legislation. On every occasion, we have used our Private Members' time to bring forward legislation that I think is progressive. We are trying to bring in progressive legislation. The last Bill we brought in was also subject to a timed amendment. It related to vacancy and dereliction. This Bill is far more urgent. I have seen it from the other side. I have been in government. I saw very good legislation coming from the Opposition only for a timed amendment to be applied. It is unfortunate. I can appreciate the different priorities but the proposal to allow the Bill to progress while fine-tuning it and dealing with those elements the Minister would have to address from a social welfare point of view could be accepted.

I commend Senator Harmon on bringing forward this legislation. We want to use our Private Members' time to bring forward progressive legislation. If you look at other legislatures across Europe, including those across the water in the UK, opposition Bills are routinely accepted by government. That shows progressive politics and collaboration across a house. I welcome the Minister's response but this is urgent. I am fortunate that, in the constituency where I live, there is the Amber Women's Refuge in Kilkenny. We hope that Carlow is about to be served with a refuge as well. The issue here is about a State that cares about women fleeing domestic violence. Every single measure we can bring forward as a State shows that we care and that we take a zero-tolerance approach. This legislation is practical and implementable and would make a meaningful difference to women and families fleeing situations of domestic violence.