Government to back Boxer's bill on repeat sex offenders with legislation

The Cabinet agreed to bring forward proposals to target repeat sexual offenders which would broadly reflect that proposed by Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer' Moran in his bill – the Criminal Justice (Commission of Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2017.

Cabinet also approved Minister Flanagan's proposals to amend the gender anomaly with respect to incest.
Both issues will be contained in a Government Bill which Minister Flanagan will seek Cabinet approval for in the Autumn.

Speaking following the Government meeting, Minister Flanagan stated: “Today Cabinet approved a number of proposals to strengthen the penalties for repeat sexual offenders and to amend existing incest laws.

“The major provisions with regard to the establishment of minimum mandatory sentences for repeat sexual offenders are based on the work of Minister of State Moran and I would like to acknowledge his commitment and dedication in working with my department to develop these proposals.

“There are already provisions in place under the Criminal Justice Act 2007 to allow for minimum sentences to be imposed for certain repeat offenders and these new proposals will bring serious sex offenders within the scope of those provisions.

“Today Cabinet also approved my proposals to bring forward measures to address a gender anomaly with respect to the penalties for incest.  I consider it appropriate that both issues could be addressed in a single Bill.  It is my intention to bring forward to Cabinet a General Scheme to make the necessary provisions in the Autumn.â€