Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Criminal Law (Rape) (Sexual Experience of Complainant) Bill, 1998: First Stage.

Ms McManus

I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Criminal Law (Rape) Act, 1981, in order to provide for the procedure whereby evidence of the complainant's sexual experience may be adduced by or on behalf of an accused person in the trial of sexual assault offences.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the Bill opposed?

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. S. Brennan)

No.

An Ceann Comhairle

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

Ms McManus

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

Question put and agreed to.

Proinsias De Rossa

Will the Government provide time for the Bill to be dealt with and adopted before Christmas?

Mr. S. Brennan

I do not think that will be possible because a rota has been agreed.

An Ceann Comhairle

The House has agreed to take it in Private Members' time.