John Lahart
Question:133. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice if she will expedite legislation on stalking. [8605/22]
View answerThursday, 17 February 2022
Questions (133)
Written answers
Stalking is a traumatic and profoundly intrusive crime. It can cause devastating psychological harm, and may also be a precursor to acts of serious physical violence.
It is important to emphasise that stalking behaviour can be, and is, prosecuted under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against The Person Act 1997 and that it carries a sentence of up to 10 years.
That said, I am particularly conscious of the evidence that shows that when a specific offence of stalking has been introduced in other countries, it has led to an increase in the number of victims coming forward. This in turn has led to an increase in the number of those who are guilty of these crimes being prosecuted and convicted.
I am committed to bringing forward legislative proposals to strengthen the law in respect of stalking and I have been working closely with the Attorney General in relation to this.
I expect to bring to Government shortly a legislative proposal which will:
- Clarify and widen the scope of conduct that may constitute stalking and what should be taken into account by courts
- Provide for court orders to tackle stalking behaviour at an early stage and before its consequences worsen
- Ensure that we recognise that stalking offences may take place and may be dealt with by Gardaí even if the victim isn’t yet aware of the behaviour
- Revise and update the existing section 10 harassment offence
I expect to progress these changes through the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, which I intend to publish before Easter.