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Select Committee on Justice and Equality díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2019

Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Bill 2018: Committee Stage

This meeting has been convened to consider Committee Stage of the Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Bill 2018. Before we begin, members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind people to please switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound recording equipment.

We are joined by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, and his officials. They are all very welcome. They are no proposed amendments to the Bill. Before proceeding to deal with each of the sections and progressing through Committee Stage, I invite the Minister to make his opening remarks.

I am pleased to be with the committee this morning following Second Stage of the Bill in the Dáil, which was taken by the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton. Members will be aware that this is a short but nevertheless important item of legislation. It is required to enable ratification of the Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women and domestic violence. I acknowledge the work of this committee last year in particular on the matter of the new Act relating to domestic violence and, a short time before that, on the very important Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017. This is the final piece in the suite of legislation necessary to enable ratification of the convention. I am very keen that we would be in a position to ratify this at the earliest possible opportunity. Members will be aware of the timeframe involved. I fully appreciate issues that may be raised in today's debate and I thank the committee for having me.

Not at all. We got the request and we have accommodated the Minister at the first available opportunity.

Sections 1 to 5, inclusive, agreed to.
Schedule agreed to.
TITLE
Question proposed: "That the Title be the Title to the Bill."

This Bill has gone through pretty rapidly. When does the Minister expect it will be fully enacted and commenced? I know there will be Brexit legislation but there is full support for this legislation.

I again thank the Minister and his officials for attending

Question put and agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
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