Jonathan O'Brien
Question:66. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18342/16]
View answerTuesday, 28 June 2016
Questions (66)
Written answers
In September 2015, I published the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015, as approved by Government. The Bill includes wide ranging provisions to enhance the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation including through more effective targeting of acts of child sexual grooming. When enacted, the Bill will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of international legal instruments and implement the recommendations of a number of Oireachtas committees. The Bill also provides for new offences of purchasing sexual services, in the context of prostitution. The purpose of these offences is to target the demand for prostitution.
The Bill completed all stages in Seanad Éireann in January 2016. This Bill has been returned to the Dáil Order Paper by a motion approved by Dáil Éireann on Wednesday, 1 June. Enactment of this important piece of legislation is a priority for the Government.