McDowell warns against negative view of ruling

The Minister for Justice Mr McDowell has warned against "an overly negative view" from victims and potential victims of domestic…

The Minister for Justice Mr McDowell has warned against "an overly negative view" from victims and potential victims of domestic violence to yesterday's Supreme Court's ruling on barring orders.

The Minister was responding to the question raised in the Dáil today by Fianna Fáil's Mr Barry Andrews, as to what measures he proposes to implement following the ruling that interim barring orders, granted in the absence of the person being barred, were unconstitutional.

"I see nothing in this judgment which will prevent us from enacting a new provision which is both fair and effective in respect to all parties and which will be consistent with the terms of the judgment," Mr McDowell said.

"Safety and barring orders remain unaffected by this judgment," he added.

Women's Aid said it was already receiving calls from women whose partners, the subject of interim barring orders, were re-entering the home.

Meanwhile the men's support group, Amen, has called on those affected by interim barring orders to seek compensation from the State.

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Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times