Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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337. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when Ireland plans to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30920/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Significant progress has been made in the preparations for ratification of the European Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, also known as the 'Lanzarote Convention'.

Last year saw the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 which formed an important step in ensuring that Irish law is fully compatible with the Convention. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 created new offences around the online sexual grooming of children and strengthened existing laws relating to child pornography. The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime Act) 2017 has also enhanced protections for victims of these crimes.

In addition, a detailed review of Ireland’s compliance with the Convention is being conducted with a view to identifying any barriers to ratification. As part of this review, my Department has engaged with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with respect to the prevention and protection aspects of the Convention. The views of a number of other relevant Government Departments and agencies have also been sought. Once the review is complete and it is assessed that Ireland can fully meet the requirements of the Convention, the necessary formal steps towards ratification will be taken.