Unincorporated associations and abuse redress
Deputy Bacik presses for progress on Labour’s Bill to make unincorporated associations liable for abuse redress, and asks for an update on whether it can become law before the election. The Taoiseach says the Attorney General is examining it and he will seek a quick update.
The Labour Party has drafted legislation, as the Taoiseach may know, to make unincorporated associations accountable for paying redress for abuse that has been committed by members or those under the power of those organisations. The need for this Bill was brought to the fore by the recent scoping inquiry on sexual abuse in schools but, of course, it would apply not just to religious orders but also to other unincorporated associations, including political parties and others. On 3 October, when I raised this matter with the Taoiseach, he said he would refer that Bill to the Attorney General and I believe he has confirmed that since.
Comment on this
Can the Taoiseach advise if he can provide an update on this before the general election and will we see this Bill capable of being brought into law?