Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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196. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1091 of 18 January 2023, the status of the drafting of the criminal justice (sexual offences and human trafficking) Bill 2022; when he expects to publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8981/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As part of delivering on the actions contained in the Zero Tolerance Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, I will bring forward a number of significant pieces of legislation in the coming weeks and months.

This includes the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022 which will update sexual offences legislation.

Provisions in the Bill will update the law relating to consent and will introduce a number of reforms which are in line with commitments in Supporting a Victim's Journey, the plan to put the victim at the centre of the criminal justice system. These include provisions to extend anonymity provisions and legal representation to further categories of victims.

I know there has been increased reporting of sexual violence over recent years and we are determined to ensure that our system supports every victim who takes the brave step to report.

The Bill will also put the National Referral Mechanism on a statutory footing to make it easier for victims of human trafficking to come forward, be identified, and facilitate their access to advice, accommodation and support.

Finalisation and publication of the Bill is pending receipt of the pre-legislative scrutiny report. Pre-legislative scrutiny was carried out on 6 December last. The report of the Committee is awaited and any findings and recommendations will be considered prior to publication.