Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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334. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 due in March 2020 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7344/20]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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366. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 due in March 2020 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8040/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 366 together.

Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 is due to be reviewed this year. This review arises under the provisions of the Act itself, and will include an assessment of the impact of the Act on the welfare of those who engage in sexual activity for payment.

The review will be conducted in an open and consultative manner and will take a broad approach to ensure consideration of the full range of issues raised in relation to the purchase of sex, can be examined in the context of the review. Deputies will appreciate that the approach to be adopted for the review, including the means for consultation with stakeholders, will need to take account of the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The approach to be adopted will be announced as soon as possible.

Finally, I can confirm that the report will be published by my Department when complete.