Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 2

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

86 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take arising from the decision of the Supreme Court on 9 October 2002 that certain procedures in regard to the issuing of temporary barring orders are unconstitutional; if, in view of the problems which may now arise in regard to domestic violence situations and the concerns expressed by organisations dealing with victims of domestic violence, he will outline the steps which will be taken to amend the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23728/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

As I told the House in reply to questions on 5 November, I fully accept the need to protect vulnerable persons who are under threat of violence in their home and I am satisfied that effective provisions to enable the courts to grant interim barring orders ex parte, which are consistent with the Constitution and the Supreme Court's judgment, can be included in amending legislation. Considerable progress has been made in developing proposals in this regard and I hope the draft legislation can be published by Christmas. As I have said before, I will consult with organisations involved in this area and take account of their views.