Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1123.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No 1592 of 23 July 2024, the status of the independent review of part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which is now being completed by her Department; her plans to publish any interim reports or updates she has received from the data and research unit of her Department since it took over the work; the timeline for the publication of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34873/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department commissioned an independent consultant to undertake the statutory review of Part 4 of the Act but, due to a number of reasons, it was not possible for the review to be completed within the desired timeframe.

I acknowledge that the report is now significantly overdue and the Deputy is aware, from previous questions, of the circumstances that have delayed its completion.

Expressions of interest for a new Study lead to complete the Part 4 review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017 were sought and following the closing date for receipt of applications, all options for concluding this work were considered.

A very small number of expressions of interest were received, none of which met the necessary requirements to complete the review.

Arising from those considerations and in view of the research already undertaken and the work done compiling and analysing the submissions received, all of which have been made available to my Department, I decided that the most appropriate way to complete the review is for the Research and Evaluation Unit in my Department to draft the report using the material provided.

As an action under the Justice Plan 2024, I receive regular updates in relation to progress on this review and I am aware that the Research Team has analysed the data and documentation submitted on foot of the consultation process undertaken by the previously appointed external reviewer.

Substantial progress has been made on advancing the report, and I am advised that is nearing completion.