Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Questions (350)

Gino Kenny

Question:

350. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if the decision will be reconsidered to disallow the inclusion of Coco’s Law in some form in the title of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017 given the significant contribution of the family of a person (details supplied) in drafting the legislation; if the work done by a person in addressing the issue of youth suicide in schools, colleges and communities throughout the country and the association of the person will be acknowledged with the legislation and the important work done in their name; if the importance of the societal and cultural impact of this legislation among young persons and the importance of using an easily remembered title to ensure it gains the necessary prevalence and traction among specific groups and cohorts in society will further be acknowledged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42629/20]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am acutely aware of this tragic case and all of the circumstances surrounding it and once again I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Ms Fox for the terrible heartache she has suffered and to commend her for her bravery and dedication to working towards honouring her daughter's memory.

As has been reported in the media, I did meet with Ms Fox earlier this week where we discussed in detail her work and concerns.

Passing this legislation is one my top priorities and I personally requested that extra Dáil and Seanad time be made available in the week before Christmas to ensure that it passes through the Oireachtas and becomes law by the end of the year.

I have worked closely with Deputy Brendan Howlin and with all parties and none across the Dáil to progress this legislation as speedily as possible.

I have said previously that Nicole and Jackie are one of the main reasons that I am determined to follow through on my promise that the Bill will pass through the Dáil and Seanad by Christmas.

This Bill will be part of Nicole’s legacy, thanks to Jackie’s tireless efforts.

I am in the process of producing a further explanatory memorandum because of the substantial changes introduced at committee stage. Following my meeting with Ms Fox, I intend to make a reference to Nicole and to her mother's campaign and to the to Bill also being known as Coco's Law in the explanatory memorandum.

Officials in my Department have also engaged with Jackie on how we might further honour Nicole's memory, for example through a training and awareness programme in schools to promote the law and to educate young people about the impacts of the misuse of technology.