Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 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 help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases. These include provisions to ensure anonymity for victims and extend 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.

Pre-legislative scrutiny was carried out on 6 December last and the report of the Committee was published on 8 March 2023. In line with Justice Plan 2023, I am committed to publishing the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 next month after which time a date will be sought for the Bill to be debated by the Oireachtas.