Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 1

Written Answers. - Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act: Prosecutions.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

18 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions taken under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act; the plans, if any, she has to review the operation of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16516/95]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that no prosecutions have been taken to date under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989.

The operation of all criminal justice legislation is subject to ongoing review.

Helen Keogh

Question:

20 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to close the loophole which exists in the Punishment of Incest Act which excludes adopted children from the protection of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16483/95]

I am aware that the provisions of the Punishment of Incest Act, 1908, do not apply in the case of members of adoptive families.

The Deputy will recall that this is an issue that was discussed in this House during the debate on the Criminal Law (Incest Proceedings) Bill enacted earlier this year. On Committee Stage of the Bill, the Minister of State at my Department pointed out legal problems that could arise in that context. He also indicated that he would ask me to address the subject in a discussion paper I had promised to circulate on certain aspects of the law relating to sexual offences.

Work on the preparation of the discussion paper is proceeding and I can assure the Deputy that the matter she has raised will be taken into account in that paper.

Top
Share