Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2018
313. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of plans to expunge convictions of those convicted of same-sex sexual activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49389/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-Party motion of apology for persons convicted of consensual same-sex sexual acts which was passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas to mark the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality on 19th June 2018 was an important step in acknowledging the hurt and harm caused, both to those who were convicted of such acts and to the wider LGBTI community who were made to feel discriminated against and marginalised.
The Government also hopes to bring forward legislative proposals for a scheme to enable the criminal records to be expunged where the acts involved would now be lawful. Officials of my Department are working with the Garda Síochána to assess the nature and availability of the records of convictions for consensual same-sex acts which would now be lawful, in order to develop these proposals. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is important that any such scheme be legally robust, practical, and sensitive to the needs of those affected. I will update my colleagues in the Houses of the Oireachtas on progress as the scheme develops.
I’m sure the Deputy will share the view that it is timely to reiterate the sincere apology of the Government and the Houses to those convicted of same-sex sexual activity which is now legal and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all citizens and residents of Ireland can live free from discrimination.
