Ms Caitriona Mason:

It will be, as soon as we get the advice. We are meeting with the OPC, practically weekly, in respect of this matter. We are pulling out all the stops with a view to closing off any outstanding issues. We hope to get it finalised as soon as possible. It has gone on longer than anticipated. Issues have arisen during the drafting process. We felt it was important to address these and ensure that the legislation will be as constitutionally robust as possible.

To follow up on the Deputy's point in respect of harassment, counsel's view was that new provision is coming in around harassment and stalking. I refer here to section 23 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022. Counsel is of the view that the section in question strengthens the offence of harassment, which gives it added force, and that by including it in this proposed Bill, all we would be doing would be including an additional proof. This is because you would have to prove that you are a service provider. We can take those comments back and re-engage with counsel on the matter.