Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I listened carefully to what the Deputy said and I agree with him on the importance of the completion of the appropriate legislation to allow for full compliance. He fails, however, to acknowledge the progress that has been made towards ratification of these important international treaties. The Bill to which I referred earlier is, in essence, landmark legislation that was enacted in recent times, which was within the timeframe of this administration. I assure the House of my commitment towards ratification and my recognition of the importance of these two conventions. I look forward to bringing forward further cybercrime legislation that would provide for the outstanding provisions required to ratify the Budapest convention, which is included in the current legislative programme. It is my intention that this legislation will be advanced within my Department and, ultimately, formally drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, following work on urgent legislation relating to Brexit and subject to the legislative priorities under which we all work according to the weekly schedule of the Houses.

On the Lanzarote convention, I am keen that the remaining work on the input from relevant stakeholders can be completed as soon as possible to facilitate ratification. I assure the Deputy and the House that I am determined that the long-held aspiration for Ireland to ratify both conventions will become a reality in the not too distant future, thereby building on progress that has been made and bringing to fruition the significant work undertaken by the Government in these areas in recent times.

The legislation is subject to the Dáil timetabling and the priorities in my Department. Deputy O'Callaghan is all too well aware of the pressures involved in drafting legislation. I am committed to ensuring we will have the appropriate legislation to allow for formal ratification at the very earliest opportunity.

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