Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 485: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on Cosc's examination of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence; and the date on which they will make a submission to the Government on Ireland signing the convention. [7753/12]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will sign and ratify the new Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and to allow Ireland, as per the recommendations of Thomas Hammerberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, to serve as role model in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8145/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 521 together.

The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence is a very detailed Convention with a very broad scope across a number of policy areas. Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, has examined the Convention and has requested observations on potential policy and legislative implications from relevant government departments and state agencies. Following receipt of the observations, consideration will be given to any issues which need to be addressed. It is hoped that this will be quickly followed by a submission to the Government on the question of signature of the Convention by Ireland.