Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand know how sensitive an issue this is. I sincerely want to extend my sympathies to Nicole's family and to her mum, in particular, who, as the Deputy said, has campaigned for this tirelessly on the basis of what happened to her beautiful daughter.

Unfortunately, having taken advice from the Attorney General on this, and for the many reasons the Deputy has alluded to, there are important considerations in law and legal policy, and notwithstanding the position of the Short Title of the Act, it should seek to reflect the contents of the legislation in a succinct manner. Obviously, what happened to Nicole was specific and is part of what the Bill intends to address. Other areas are covered in this Bill as well, and that creates a challenge whereby there will be legislation that encompasses a number of specific offences and the Title itself is only related to one of those. The legal advice, therefore, is that we would, as the Deputy said, be crossing into a different threshold, which would present significant challenges.

I completely understand this is something that people want to be connected with Nicole and her legacy. I believe that it will be known as Coco's Law, even if it is not in the Title. On the advice I have received I cannot, unfortunately, include that as part of the Title. I genuinely believe, however, the reason for bringing this legislation forward and pushing it will be very much linked to Nicole and her family, and it will be part of their legacy. I am sorry. I would like to give the Deputy a different answer but the position as set out makes it difficult for me not to.