The criminal law (sexual offences) Bill is promised for this session. It is to protect children and vulnerable persons against sexual exploitation and abuse. Is it intended to have the legislation passed by the end of this session?

Another Bill which I have raised in the past is the bail Bill, the imminence of which seems to have dropped in recent times. Notwithstanding that compelling reasons for a review of the bail laws abide as much as ever, what is likely to happen in respect of that Bill? Is it likely to come before the House within the next 12 months? Is it likely to be passed?

The criminal law (sexual offences) Bill is due this session. I hope that it might get through and be passed but it depends on the backlog of legislation to be dealt with.

The heads of the bail Bill have been approved but I cannot give Deputy Durkan a date for it.