721. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the preparatory work that is underway to transpose the EU Directive on Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, particularly provisions relating to technology-facilitated violence. [21630/26]

The EU Directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence was adopted in May 2024, and will enter into force in June 2027. The purpose of the Violence Against Women Directive is to provide a comprehensive framework to effectively prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence throughout the European Union.

The measures under the Directive are designed to address the specific needs of women and girls, given that, as confirmed by data and studies, they are disproportionately affected by the forms of violence covered by this Directive. Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is an absolute priority for this government.

Last year Government approved the drafting of the Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments Bill 2025. Among other things, the provisions in this Bill will remove dual criminality in respect of certain offences, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, which is a requirement under the Directive. The General Scheme of this Bill underwent pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on 20 January 2026. The recommendations of the Committee will be carefully considered once received, with drafting of the Bill prioritised.

Many of the provisions contained in the Directive are already provided for under existing Irish legislation or in the aforementioned Bill. However, work is underway to determine what further legislative reforms may be required to fully transpose the Directive. In relation to the technology facilitated violence provisions, several of these provisions are already transposed by the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco’s Law) and the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

However, my Department is consulting with the Attorney General’s Office to identify any additional legislative amendments which may be required in order to ensure that Ireland is fully compliant with the Directive.