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Legislative Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Questions (352, 353, 367)

Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

352. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department will be undertaking a review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 in 2020; if so, the terms of reference for the review; if the review will be undertaken by independent experts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4294/20]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

353. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if women, men and trans persons who work as sex workers will be provided an opportunity to input into the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4295/20]

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Joan Collins

Question:

367. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has commenced; the person or body involved in the review; the person or body that will be included in the review; when it will be finalised; and if it has not commenced, when it will commence. [4520/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352, 353 and 367 together.

As the Deputies noted, Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 is due to be reviewed this year. This review arises under the provisions of the Act itself, and will include an assessment of the impact of the Act on the welfare of those who engage in sexual activity for payment.

The terms of reference for the review have been finalised and I expect to make a formal announcement in that regard in the very near future.

The review will be conducted in an open and consultative manner and will take a broad approach to ensure consideration of the full range of issues raised in relation to the purchase of sex, can be examined in the context of the review. Deputies will appreciate that the approach to be adopted for the review, including the means for consultation with stakeholders, will need to take account of the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The approach to be adopted will be announced as soon as possible.

Finally, I can confirm that the report will be published by my Department when complete.

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