Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, an independent study was commissioned by my Department into familicide and domestic homicide reviews.

This independent research involved consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including family members of victims, state agencies and non-governmental organisations, with a view to making recommendations to improve the State's response to familicide and domestic homicide.

Given the sensitivities involved, it also required the study lead to pay particular attention to the fair procedures part of the process which involved allowing any person or organisation who might be affected by the contents of the draft report (including the families concerned) to be given an opportunity to reply to the contents of the report.

The final report continues to be considered by officials in my Department and I intend to publish the report as soon as this examination and analysis is complete.

The Deputy will appreciate that, due to the gravity of the subject matter and the impact on victims' families, thorough examination is necessary before publication.

I can assure the Deputy that tackling domestic, sexual, and gender based violence, and providing supports for victims is a priority for me as Minister for Justice.

I am deeply committed to delivering on the commitments made under Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The strategy is an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin it.

Work is advancing in a number of areas, across my Department and others, to progress the various actions under the strategy. In addition, at the end of February, I secured Government approval for the drafting of legislation to set up the new DSGBV agency which will be tasked with ensuring the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV, and with driving and coordinating the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy across Government. It will bring the dedicated and expert focus that is needed to tackle this serious and complex societal issue.