Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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484. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the independent study on familicide and domestic homicide reviews has been finalised; and when it will be published. [58678/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the Justice Plan 2021 to publish the independent research on Familicide and Domestic Homicide Reviews which has been commissioned by my Department. This will be an important first step in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to legislate to introduce Domestic Homicide Reviews.

The independent study 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.

I must emphasise that the Advisory Group and their work is independent, and the Department of Justice is not involved in the work of the study nor is it a member of the Advisory Group.

I understand from the Study Lead that the focus remains on the fair procedures part of the process. This involves allowing any persons or organisations who might be affected by the contents of the draft report (including the families concerned) to be given an opportunity to reply. While this part of the process is taking time as it involves engaging with multiple parties, it is an essential part of the process and must be completed before the report can be finalised.

The Study Lead is working hard to complete the process in order to be able to proceed to finalising the report.

As previously stated, when received, I will examine the report in detail and I remain committed to considering any recommendations made as a priority.