Domestic violence legislation and Istanbul Convention
Deputy Gerry Adams welcomes signing the Istanbul Convention but seeks full ratification and publication of long-promised consolidated domestic violence legislation. The Taoiseach says related legislation is progressing through the Government’s legislative roadmap.
I welcome the Government's belated decision to sign the Istanbul convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence, which is a very important framework for tackling violence against women and girls. The Government must fully ratify the convention. It has been five years since the Government promised consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation, and the Bill has still not been published. The reformed and consolidated domestic violence Bill was cleared in July. When will it be published?
Emergency legislation was promised to deal with the mess surrounding the commission of investigation into IBRC. Can it be published before Christmas? The interim report from Mr. Justice Cregan has revealed a litany of mistakes, bad legal advice and incompetence. While the legal advice from the Attorney General is questionable, responsibility for this shambles rests ultimately with the Cabinet, particularly the Taoiseach. The Cabinet discussed the matter this morning. When will the emergency legislation be published?
Comment on this
I have previously told the Deputy that we had a road map of legislation to be dealt with. The Deputy is correct that heads of the domestic violence bill were cleared in July. The recently published Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill, the Court of Appeal Bill and the Children and Family Relationships Bill are all part of the road map that need to be implemented. In this country, we take the view that one should put the legislation in place before signing a convention, unlike other countries which sign the convention without having the legislation in place. There is a deal of work to be done and the Bill will be published in the new year.
I sent the interim report of Mr. Justice Cregan to everybody and asked that Opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, respond in writing by tomorrow. I hope I can have the party’s views on the judge pointing out the difficulties and challenges he sees. I expect to bring to the Government a response taking into account all the parties’ views next Tuesday.