Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

While there is undoubtedly a case for consolidating the law on sexual offences for greater accessibility, my immediate priority is to implement a commitment in the Government's legislative programme to bring forward legislation to enhance the protection of children and other vulnerable persons from sexual exploitation and abuse. My Department has been conducting a wide-ranging examination of the law on sexual offences. This takes account of the recommendations of two Oireachtas committees and the requirements of a number of international legal instruments. An evaluation of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, including public consultation on the management of convicted sex offenders, and a review of the law on incest formed an integral part of this work.

The review is close to completion and I expect to bring legislative proposals to Government in the coming months. When this priority work is more advanced, consideration can then be given to consolidating sexual offences legislation, an objective which I believe is very desirable to achieve.

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