The Government promises a housing Bill to address, among other things, local authority repossessions. In the absence of the Bill some local authorities, in particular Kildare County Council, are proceeding apace with forced repossessions of houses. Deputy Stagg and Deputy Durkan will be aware of this.

They are.

Can the Taoiseach tell the House when the Bill will be brought forward and if it will address that particular issue?

This is an issue of extensive proportions and the intention is to split this into three. I expect the first of those to come forward in the next session. Hopefully, the other two can be dealt with this year. There will be details of how it is proposed to break it up.

Domestic violence plagues society and particularly affects women and children. We have seen examples over the years in our clinics. Will there be a provision in the housing Bill to recognise that domestic violence is a primary cause of homelessness? Safe Ireland and similar groups are looking for such a provision. It is very important. The Taoiseach has said the housing Bill is coming before the Dáil. How soon? He said it would be this term, but can he provide a date? It is very important that local authorities have some guidance on homelessness. It is a big issue.

I will ask Deputy Jan O'Sullivan who is the Minister of State with responsibility for housing to address this. The housing Bill will be split in three. I cannot provide details of whether the section coming before us in the next session will deal with the matter raised. I will ask Deputy Jan O'Sullivan to engage with the organisations to which Deputy Ellis referred in that context.