Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the action plan from earlier in the summer, which set out a range of actions. However, the Minister did not have to wait for it because, as far back as 2016, the Law Reform Commission had identified a gap in which gardaí felt powerless to act when an issue was brought to their attention. There were recommendations to update the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 with the offence of stalking, and legislation was proposed earlier this year on it. I understand consideration is being given to bringing forward legislation at some point, possibly next year, but time is slipping. Has it been identified as priority legislation? When does the Minister expect there to be action on this matter? The Minister of State at the Department of Health felt that the Government was not taking the issue seriously enough and was failing people as a result. Does the Minister agree? The gap is still there after a number of years.

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