Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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5. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects Ireland will ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; the legislative measures this will require; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25440/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The protection of members of society from domestic violence, sexual violence and exploitation are primary concerns for me and my Department. The Istanbul Convention is a significant legal instrument in the fight against domestic and sexual violence. Ireland is fully supportive of the aims and terms of the Convention and the Deputy will be aware that Ireland signed the Convention on 5 November 2015. The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to implementing the Istanbul Convention. Work has commenced on implementing the 18 legislative and administrative actions, which when implemented, will enable Ireland to ratify the Convention. All of the actions required for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention are contained in the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence which was published in January of this year.

The new Domestic Violence Bill, the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill and the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill are among the legislative actions required.

It is my intention to publish the Domestic Violence Bill this year. The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill is being drafted for publication as a priority. The new Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill is also intended to be enacted this year.