Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers has welcomed a new system of court orders that will protect victims from stalking behaviour.
Under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, courts will be able to issue civil restraining orders against stalkers without a criminal conviction.
The Mayo Senator who introduced a bill to make stalking a criminal offence said, "Having campaigned and introduced a bill to this affect I'm delighted to see this legislation get Government approval.
"This legislation will allow the courts and Gardai to move faster to protect victims from stalkers before a criminal conviction is obtained.
"Civil orders for stalking behaviour are important feature of the Criminal Justice Bill 2022 which will allow early intervention to protect victims of stalking.
"I want to thank Minister for Justice Helen McEntee for working with me on this issue as well as a special thanks to campaigners Una Ring and Eve McDowell who worked with me on this campaign.
"We are committed to taking a No Tolerance strategy regarding sexual and gender based violence.
"This is another important step to ensure the State has a strong approach which has protecting victims at the forefront."
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