Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
319. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the Istanbul Convention has not yet been signed or ratified by the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40027/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am in favour of signing and ratifying the Convention on the prevention and combatting of violence against women and domestic violence as soon as possible.
However, prior to ratifying any international convention we must be certain that we can implement all the requirements of convention. My officials have identified a number of areas where legislative and administrative changes will be required and work is proceeding in my Department to address these matters. I have also written to a number of government departments and agencies to obtain their views in identifying the possible legislative and administrative issues and the solutions necessary to be put in place by them in order for Ireland to ratify the convention.
The legislation under development in my Department includes 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, and the legislation necessary to transpose the EU Victims Directive.
