Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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262. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the introduction of new sexual offences legislation and the drafting of a domestic violence bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41818/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Justice and Equality I am committed to doing all that I can to combat sexual and domestic violence.

I welcome the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 in February of this year. This wide ranging piece of legislation gives additional protections to some of the most vulnerable people in society as it contains provisions combating the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Included in the provisions of this important Act is a widening of the range of offences associated with child pornography, the criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services, and the introduction of a statutory definition of consent to a sexual act.

The Deputy will be aware that the Domestic Violence Bill 2017 was published in February and is currently at Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann. This very important legislation enhances the measures available within the legal system to support and protect victims of domestic violence, including extending access to domestic violence orders, providing for victims to give evidence by televisual link, and enabling the court to appoint an expert to ascertain the views of a child where an order is sought, or relates to, that child.

Importantly, the enactment of this legislation will significantly advance progress towards Ireland's ratification of the Istanbul Convention, which, as the Deputy will be aware, is an important legal instrument concerned with violence against women and domestic violence.