76 Mr. Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the review of the Domestic Violence Act 1996; if he will publish amending legislation on domestic violence in this session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12936/07]

While the operation of the law on the protection of persons in relationships, whether through the operation of the Domestic Violence Acts or otherwise, continues to be kept under review in my Department, I have no plans at present to amend the relevant legislation.

Domestic violence is a crime and, too often in our society, it is a hidden crime. Government policy fully recognises the need to punish offenders and to support and protect victims. It is for this reason that there is a very substantial range of law that can apply to violence in the home.

Comprehensive protection is afforded to victims of domestic violence in our civil and criminal law statutes, by means of: the Domestic Violence Acts 1996 and 2002; the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990; the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997; the Sex Offenders Act 2001; the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and; the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Act 2006.