Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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581. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a schedule of the organisations and or groups she has consulted with as part of the review into Part IV of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; and if she has directly engaged with all stakeholders as part of the review. [7735/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, my Department contracted an independent expert, Ms Maura Butler, to undertake the review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

The terms of reference for the review are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Terms_of_Reference_-_S7a_ReviewCJ(SO)Act_2017.pdf/Files/Terms_of_Reference_-_S7a_ReviewCJ(SO)Act_2017.pdf

While it was for the expert to design the precise methodologies for engaging with stakeholders as part of the review, the Terms of Reference explicitly confirm that the participation and inclusion of persons engaged in prostitution and persons who have been victims of human trafficking will be sought.

An online survey was used as part of a public consultation process and written submissions were invited from any individual or stakeholders who wished to share their views, addressing the Terms of Reference.

I can advise the Deputy that as the review is being conducted independently of the Department, the Department did not review the submissions received or participate in any of the engagements.