Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur faoin mBille um fhoréigean baile, the consolidated domestic violence Bill. I commend Safe Ireland on organising a summit on domestic violence. The issue of domestic violence is one which has not received the priority it requires from this or previous Governments. Research published by Safe Ireland shows that one in three women experience severe psychological violence while one in four experience sexual or physical violence at the hands of their partners. The absence of any firm commitment by the Government to increase funding for domestic violence refuges, step-down accommodation and other support services is also causing great concern and putting real pressure on the victims. A consolidated domestic violence Bill is an essential part of ratifying the Istanbul convention. When will it be published and when will the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill, which is linked to this issue, be published?

The domestic violence Bill and the victims of crime Bill will both be published this session.