Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 4

Written Answers. - Domestic Violence Policy.

Robert Molloy

Ceist:

39 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his response to the research document on domestic violence produced by Women's Aid; if he would agree that there is a need for an inter-agency policy in relation to this matter; and the role, if any, his Department will pursue in this matter. [18236/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I welcome the research study produced by Women's Aid on the subject of domestic violence. The more studies there are of this kind the more informed we can be on this subject as a society, as members of support groups, as public representatives, as legislators and as administrators. I commend the work of Women's Aid not only in having this document published but also in being to the forefront as an organisation that is action-orientated and is daily working on the ground to help the victims of violence.

My Department's responsibilities in relation to the problems associated with domestic violence are largely confined to the legislative aspects which impinge on the civil law. My policy regarding what legislative provisions should be in place are as set out in the Domestic Violence Bill, 1995. My Department also of course has responsibility for other important pieces of legislation which deal with the consequences of domestic violence such as maintenance of spouses and children guardianship and separation.

The Domestic Violence Bill, which the House is discussing today, is the product of detailed consultations with interest groups such as Women's Aid. Indeed the Women's Aid document acknowledges that many of the recommendations it has made for reform of the law are incorporated in the Bill.

In addition my Department has important responsibilities in relation to the scheme of civil legal aid and advice and for funding of organisations which are engaged in counselling of persons who have marriage problems. Matters concerning health, child care and the funding of women's refuges are the responsibility of the Department of Health; the provision of housing is a matter for the Minister for the Environment; and matters concerning the courts and the Garda are a matter for the Minister for Justice. Considerable co-operation, as necessary, already exists between relevant Departments and strategic management plans are being operated and developed in Departments to ensure that objectives are being met. That is not to say that perhaps more can and should be done about the problems of domestic violence and we are prepared as a Government to continue to address the problems. In this context, I should mention the recent establishment by the Government of the Commission on the Family. That commission will, among other matters, examine the effects of legislation and policies on families. Any proposals for further change which emanate from the commission in so far as my Department is concerned will be given priority attention.