Cabinet Committees
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-15
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Micheál Martin (FF), Cork South-Central

It just would not have made any sense, and that is why it was done.
On Deputy Coppinger's question, through the shared island initiative, we support an all-island response to domestic and sexual violence. It is shocking, and Northern Ireland is a particular problem. I have discussed this with the First Minister and deputy First Minister at meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council. It was a theme and a topic at our most recent meeting. There is active co-operation to the effect that there should be a joint approach between our Government and the Executive in respect of domestic and sexual violence. It is a big worry. Deputy Coppinger reminded us of the 30 women who have been killed. That is shocking and wrong. With regard to the counselling notes, the Minister for justice is bringing forward legislation in which he will go as he possibly can to place real conditions on the use of counselling notes.
On Deputy Lawless' question, the Government has huge pressures. I gave the figures earlier. We are making a lot of progress in terms of a more rigorous, timely and efficient response to those seeking asylum. Nonetheless, people come into the country to seek asylum. They are legally entitled to seek asylum and our job is to process applications as quickly as we can. If people are entitled to asylum, they get it. If they are not, they should be deported or asked to leave.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-15