Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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737. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if it is in her power or the power of this Government to repeal article 19a whereby a victim of sex abuse, which also includes a child victim of sex abuse, can have their private counselling records made available to the accused abuser without further delay (details supplied). [44418/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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For the information of the Deputy, the four remaining articles of the Budapest Convention to be addressed are Articles 20, 21, 33 and 34. These concern the real-time collection of traffic data, interception of content data and the mutual legal assistance provisions around both. It is my intention to address these four articles via forthcoming legislation which will overhaul the legislative framework in this area.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department has been working on proposals to update the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications (Regulation) Act 1993 to ensure that a modern legislative framework is put in place. Legislative proposals emerging from this work will be brought to Government for consideration when that work concludes.

This is a complex and sensitive area of the law requiring careful consideration with all stakeholders and in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.

It will be essential to ensure that any legislation in this area is not only robust and effective in supporting the needs of the authorities charged with combating serious crime and terrorism, and protecting the security of the State, but that it is also proportionate in securing that objective and that it takes full account of the impact on fundamental rights.

I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention to ratify the Convention at the earliest possible opportunity.