BACIK WELCOMES CHILD MARRIAGE BAN IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL
Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has welcomed the publication by Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald TD of the Domestic Violence Bill, which contains measures on preventing and combating domestic violence, including enhanced protections and easier access to the courts for victims of abuse.
Senator Bacik commented:
“I particularly welcome the inclusion of measures to repeal the exemptions which enable people under the age of 18 to marry, following application to the courts, and provisions of the Bill aimed at hearing the voice of the child in proceedings relating to them.
“I raised this issue in the Seanad some time ago along with then Senator Jillian Van Turnhout. In response to our motion, the then Minister established a working group to review how to change the law. I am delighted to see that progress has been made since then on delivering this important change.”