Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Barring Orders.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

600 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in view of the recent Supreme Court decision declaring interim barring orders unconstitutional and mindful of the fact that since 1996, 83 women have been killed here, 40% of whom died at the hands of partners or ex partners, the measures he proposes to take in view of this judgment. [19694/02]

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

601 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the decision of the Supreme Court to declare interim barring orders unconstitutional, his Department's attention has been drawn to the fact that many of those individuals who were subject to such orders are now attempting to re-enter the homes from which they were barred. [19713/02]

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

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 600 and 601 together.

I am considering, as a matter of urgency, the appropriate legislative response to the Supreme Court decision to which the Deputy refers. Before bringing the matter to Government, it is my intention to consult organisations which are involved in this area and to take account of their views. I fully accept the need to protect vulnerable persons who are under threat of violence in their homes and I am satisfied that effective provisions to enable the courts to continue to grant interim barring ordersex parte, which are consistent with the Constitution and the Supreme Court's judgment, can be included in amending legislation that I intend to put in place as soon as possible.