Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the criminal law codification project will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38917/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The criminal law codification project envisages the replacement of the existing primary sources of criminal law, both statute and judicial interpretation, by a comprehensive code. The purpose of the code is to enhance the clarity and accessibility of the criminal law. It is not intended to provide for substantive law reform. A draft partial code was prepared by the Criminal Law Codification Advisory Committee and published on my Department's website on 23 June 2011.

While I am favourably disposed towards the concept of codification, I have to have regard to the fact that enactment of a criminal code would involve a substantial legislative programme over a number of years which has implications for the use of scarce State resources. Having reviewed the project in the light of the current constraints facing the Government, I will be bringing proposals to Government shortly in relation to the project. An announcement will be made after the Government has considered the matter.