asked the Minister for Justice whether he has yet decided to introduce legislation for the better protection of women, young persons and children by amendment of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, so as to raise the "age of consent," and by making provision for affiliation orders and otherwise.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - AMENDMENT OF CRIMINAL LAW.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
Materials for Bills dealing with these matters were prepared in my Department a considerable time ago. Owing to the number of other matters of more immediate importance in my Department and other Departments requiring legislation, it has not been found possible to get these materials incorporated in a Bill. It is my intention, however, to have such a Bill prepared at the first available opportunity.
Would the Minister say whether there is any likelihood of that being prepared during this Parliament?
I am afraid I would not be able to give an undertaking to that effect and on the question of likelihood I am not in a position to say at the moment. If the Deputy repeats the question in about three weeks time I would try to give a definite answer whether or not there will be a Bill in the life of the present Parliament.
Does the Minister realise that this is a matter of importance and is not likely to be controversial?
It is not so much a question really of Parliamentary time as of the Parliamentary draftsman's time.
Drop the Liquor Bill.
Would the Minister borrow a draftsman?