Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

75. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in publishing the criminal justice (sexual offenders) Bill; if she will confirm the heads of Bill were agreed by Cabinet last December; the progress made since then; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46449/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 27 November, I published the General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. The General Scheme includes wide ranging provisions to enhance the protection of children and vulnerable persons from sexual abuse and exploitation. When enacted, the Bill will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of EU, UN and Council of Europe legal instruments. The Bill will also implement the recommendations of a number of Oireachtas committees, reform the law on incest and update the Sex Offenders Act 2001. In addition, the Bill will provide for new offences of purchasing, in the context of prostitution, sexual services.

The Government approved a number of the heads of the Sexual Offences Bill in December last and others were approved last week. It was not appropriate to publish the General Scheme until the heads approved by Government last week were finalised.

As the Deputy will appreciate, this is a complex piece of legislation which addresses a number of sensitive issues. The Bill is priority legislation and is currently being drafted, with a view to publication in 2015.

A copy of the General Scheme is available from my Department's website.