Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 March 2012
74 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which Cosc will receive observations from the relevant Government Departments and State agencies on the potential policy and legislative implications of the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13847/12]
View answerAs I have previously stated in my responses to Questions Nos. 485 and 521 of Tuesday, 14th February, 2012, and 543 of Tuesday 28th of February, 2012, the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence is a detailed Convention with a very broad scope across a number of policy areas.
Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, actively contributed to all stages of the drafting process in relation to the Convention. That process took place over a period of almost two years. I am informed that 18 Council of Europe member states have signed the Convention but it has not yet entered into force.
In view of the complexity and scope of the Convention, and before embarking on the process of formal circulation of a Memo for Government for approval to sign the Convention, Cosc circulated all relevant Departments and State Bodies seeking observations on the final text of the Convention and Explanatory Memorandum. The deadline for receipt of observations from the Department and Divisions was Friday 9 March 2012. However, observations are still outstanding from some offices. In addition to contacting all remaining offices, Cosc is currently examining the responses received to date and has begun consideration of issues which need to be addressed prior to the signature of the Convention. The matter will then be submitted for decision as to the Government position on the issue of signature.
