asked the Minister for Justice if he has examined the submission on rape prepared by the Council for the Status on Women; if he is yet in a position to indicate a response thereto; and the proposals, if any, which are proposed by way of amendment to the present law.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Submission on Rape.
10.
The submission has been examined and, while it contains some recommendations that may be useful, I am advised that some statements in the document to which publicity has been give appear to be based on information that is not in accordance with the facts and I could not agree that the document is an adequate basis for amending legislation. As regards the subject matter generally, consultations have been taking place with persons experienced in the practical operation of the law. When these consultations have concluded, I hope to have a submission made to the Government.
As the Deputy is aware from the reply I gave the House on 27 April 1978 to a question put down by him—Dáil Debates (Unrevised) Volume 305, Columns 1709-1713—I could not undertake to indicate during Question Time specific legislative proposals.
Would the Minister accept that if he made a response to the submission at this stage, even highlighting and pointing out possible inaccuracies in the submission, it would be helpful and add to the debate so that we could all direct our minds to possible solutions?
I accept the value of what Deputy O'Keeffe conveys and I am quite prepared to follow up that suggestion.
I thank the Minister.