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International Conventions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Questions (213, 230)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

213. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects Ireland to ratify the Istanbul convention on domestic abuse; the legislative measures this will require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/19]

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Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

230. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ratify the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention, immediately following the enactment of the Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Bill 2018 which is currently before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality; if there are other remaining obstacles to ratifying the Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10472/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 230 together.

This Government is fully committed to combatting the scourge of violence against women. The Istanbul Convention is a significant legal instrument and its ratification is a Government priority. Ratifying the Convention will send an important message that Ireland does not tolerate this violence.

On 26 February 2019, the Government approved the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, subject to the enactment of the Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Bill. This legislation was the last legislative action required under the Istanbul Convention.

On 28 February, the Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Bill 2019 completed its passage through the Oireachtas and has since been signed by the President.

Implementing the provisions of the Istanbul Convention involves a charge on public funds, so the approval of the Dáil to its ratification must be obtained under Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution. The Dáil today approved ratification of the Convention, which will allow arrangements to be made to deposit an Instrument of Ratification, signed by the Tánaiste, with the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in the coming days.

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