asked the Minister for Justice if it is his intention to request the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure to examine the social problem of battered wives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Battered Wives.
5.
The Committee on Court Practice and Procedure have already, in their 19th Interim Report, made a recommendation which is relevant to the position of "battered wives". The recommendation is to the effect that if the court finds on the evidence offered that a spouse has reasonable grounds for believing that the safety or welfare of the family requires it, the court will have power to make an order prohibiting the defaulting spouse from entering or attempting to enter the family home "until further order" and from in any any way molesting, annoying or putting in fear the family or any member of it. Consideration of this recommendation and of the other recommendations of the committee is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to consult the Government on the necessary legislation in the near future.