Criminal Justice Sexual Offences Bill
Ruth Coppinger asked whether the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill could complete its stages before the election. The Taoiseach said it was on Report Stage in the Seanad and could not predict when it would arrive in the Dáil or whether amendments would delay it.
In regard to impending legislation, when will the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill be brought before the Dáil and will there be sufficient time to deal with it? Obviously, we are near the end of this Government's term. At what stage does the Taoiseach anticipate we will be able to take this Bill? Will there be sufficient time for amendments on what is a very complex issue? Many groups have made submissions on this and are anxious that it would be dealt with.
Comment on this
It is important legislation, as Deputy Coppinger says. It is in the Seanad on Report Stage on Thursday. I cannot say whether the eminent speakers in Seanad Éireann will want to amend it or how long it will take to discuss. When it concludes Report Stage in the Seanad, it will then come here.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach knows when he will call the election. Does he anticipate that all Stages will be taken or just Second Stage?
Comment on this
I cannot say how long the Seanad will take to deal with Report Stage given there are amendments and Members can have very strongly held views about it. I do not want to do the Seanad's business for it.