I propose to take Questions Nos. 1067 and 1068 together.
The Government is committed to taking action to tackle the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
The Programme for Governments commits to enacting the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017, which has been sponsored by Deputy Brendan Howlin. The Bill provides for many of the legislative changes recommended by the Law Reform Commission in its report on Harmful Communications and Digital Safety.
My officials are continuing to work with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to finalise amendments, which I hope to bring to Government for approval shortly. I understand that the bill has been listed for committee stage in early December.
As I have outlined previously on this matter, I am conscious of the deeply harmful effects which the behaviours and actions referred to can have on those affected. I intend to support the passage of the amended bill through the houses of the Oireachtas to help strengthen legislation in this area.