Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2018 passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, TD, and Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, have this afternoon announced that the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2018 has passed all stages in the Oireachtas. 

The bill introduces presumptive minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders.

It also corrects an anomaly in the law of incest by equalising the penalty for incest where it is committed by a man or a woman.
 
Speaking about the passage of the bill, Minister Flanagan said: “I am very pleased that this bill has now been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

“By introducing presumptive minimum sentencing provisions for repeat sex offenders, we are recognising the impact these devastating crimes have on victims and on society as a whole.”

Minister of State Moran added: “I am delighted that this bill has been passed today and I am heartened by the broad support it has received in the Houses of the Oireachtas. 

“I believe this is an important measure that needs to be taken and I thank Minister Flanagan for having taken forward the proposals introduced by me in a Private Member’s Bill.”