Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ellis for introducing this modest and relevant Bill. Having listened to Members' contributions and appraised the situation in which we find ourselves, I believe there is an onus on all of us to support the Bill. In attempting to address part of a bigger problem, it will create its own momentum and encourage the Government to bring forward consolidated legislation at a quicker pace. Deputy McDonald eloquently put flesh and blood on the figures. One in five is a colossal number. Violence is expressed physically, psychologically and silently. As Deputy FitzMaurice pointed out, there is silent distress and violence in the banks' bad behaviour in respect of 100,000 distressed mortgages. These are distressful situations for families and they can be the tipping point at which people can no longer cope and enter into drinking habits. Their ensuing loss of control can advance into mental and physical abuse. That is just wrong but we can correct it by taking the first steps suggested in this Bill. In that regard, it is like the crack that breaks the iceberg.

The issue of domestic violence affects 213,000 people. They could fill Croke Park two and a half times. Members of the press should be here for this debate, and it is shameful that they are not. It is also shameful there are not more Members on the Government benches.

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