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International Agreements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Ceisteanna (123)

Dominic Hannigan

Ceist:

123. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to sign the European Convention on Preventing Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28454/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland supports, in principle, the aims and terms of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

It is a detailed Convention with a very broad scope across a number of policy areas with potential policy and legislative implications. The provisions of the Convention and the legislative and administrative arrangements that would be necessary to allow signature and ratification of the Convention by Ireland are being examined in my Department in conjunction with the government commitment to introduce consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation to address all aspects of domestic violence, threatened violence and intimidation, in a way that provides protection to victims.

The development of the consolidated and reformed legislation, including consideration of the Convention provisions, will be progressed as soon as possible having regard to the need for consultations and other legislative priorities in my Department. Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, is undertaking the preliminary work in developing proposals for consideration. Cosc has met with relevant groups from the NGO sector and received some proposals for consideration. Further material is also awaited from the sector.

The convention has not yet entered into force as this requires at least ten ratifications, including 8 Council of Europe member states.

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