Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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15. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to legislate for the introduction of domestic homicide reviews. [42426/20]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Before I start I would like to just take a minute to express my condolences to those that have been impacted by domestic homicides. These are truly devastating events for families, friends and communities and the very real people and real heartache behind such terrible tragedies can never be forgotten.

This is why the introduction of legislation to provide for Domestic Homicide Reviews is such an important commitment in the Programme for Government.

One of the key elements that will feed into delivering on this commitment is the independent study commissioned by the Department of Justice into familicide and domestic homicide reviews. This independent specialist research is looking at international best practice in the conduct of domestic homicide reviews with a view to making recommendations in relation to their application in this jurisdiction.

Ms Maura Butler, who is a solicitor and has been a member of the Study’s Advisory Group since its establishment, agreed to take responsibility for leading completion of the study, following the sad and untimely death of Norah Gibbons, who was previously responsible.

Minister McEntee recently met with Ms Butler to receive an update in relation to this work. I would stress the importance of recognising that the Advisory Group and their work is independent, and the Department is not involved in the work of the study nor is it a member of the Advisory Group.

Ms Butler will provide a further update on progress made and we expect to receive the report from the Group in early 2021. We look forward to examining the report in detail and will consider any recommendations made as a priority.

I am aware Deputy O’Callaghan proposed a Private Members Bill seeking to ensure that perpetrators of domestic homicides could not benefit through inheritance. I know that Bill has lapsed, but I can inform the Deputy that I am progressing work to amend Section 120 of the Succession Act which will achieve the same objective.

In parallel to this study, An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a review of the investigation of certain homicides, which includes a number of domestic homicides, and is developing policies and procedures to inform the overall policing approach to domestic homicides.