122. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice when he expects the heads to be prepared for the criminal justice (disregard of certain convictions related to consensual sexual activity) Bill to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24879/25]

Sentiment score: 0.25

This question relates to the promise of a disregard of historical sexual offences that was promised by the previous Government. It is on foot of recommendations from the working group that looked at legislation to address the historical sexual offence of homosexuality, which was outlawed up to 33 years ago. What progress is happening at this stage?

Sentiment score: 0.07

I am disappointed with the answer. I understand there are delays and competing interests in the Department of Justice in particular, given the wait. However, the urgency of this is similar to other issues, such as thalidomide, when we are dealing with people who are affected by wrongdoing by the State. The longer it is delayed, the less effect it will have in the end because there will be fewer people who have suffered an injustice and, in this case, a heinous violation of their human rights for many decades. The effect will be gone. It was great that decriminalisation came about in 1993 because of the actions of those within the community, including former Senator, David Norris. We need to remember the work he carried out, and that of many others, to get people to understand the wrongs the State was involved in. I urge prioritisation of this legislation, given that people are getting older.

Sentiment score: -0.03

I understand. The campaigning groups, some of which the Minister has probably met over the years, also understand the difficulty with a case-by-case review. The generalised approach is one where a certificate of disregard could be issued. The conviction would not be fully expunged because that has to be done case by case. The general disregard approach was what most people expected and thought that recommendation would be given. The Minister said he was not aware of the number of cases. I am not either but, for instance, in the town of Tullow alone, there were eight cases from 1969 to 1970. Research has been done on that which is online. Kieran Rose has sent me a copy, which I can forward. That is just one example. Some of those affected were teenagers who may still be alive. They might have been affected, as were their families and everybody around them. It still has an effect today. That is why there is an urgency.

Sentiment score: -0.08