Geothermal Bill and Istanbul Convention
Seán Ó Fearghaíl asks about geothermal-energy legislation and whether Ireland will sign the Istanbul Convention. Pat Rabbitte prioritises a minerals Bill and says the Government’s position on the convention is unchanged.
The Minister has promised for some time a geothermal energy development Bill to regulate and license that sector. What progress has been made and when will we see the Bill? I also wish to raise the Istanbul Convention on violence against women. Has the Government given this convention consideration or will it do so in the near future? Will the Government sign this convention?
Comment on this
The geothermal energy development Bill was initiated under my predecessor but I changed the order of priority in favour of a new minerals development Bill. The minerals development Bill is in the final stages and will go before committee within the next month. It is a major piece of legislation on minerals.
Regarding the Council of Europe convention combatting violence against women and domestic violence, I have here a letter from the Minister for Justice and Equality to Deputy Ó Fearghaíl of 1 May. My understanding is the position has not changed since then.