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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Barring Orders.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

799 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals he has to withdraw the six to 12 months cohabitation period which has to have expired before barring or protection orders can be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24561/00]

The Domestic Violence Act, 1996, gives the court power to make various orders for the protection of persons in certain domestic relationships from the violence of another person. Depending on the type of order that is sought – barring, protection or safety order – the Act requires persons who are not married to each other, but are living together as man and wife, to be living together for certain periods. While the operation of the Act is being kept under review in my Department, I can say that there is no scope for deleting provisions in the Act which are designed to determine, of necessity, whether or not persons are cohabitants.

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