Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022: Appeal

Part of Question for Urgent Oral Answer – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 2:45 pm ar 2 Gorffennaf 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Matthew O'Toole Matthew O'Toole Social Democratic and Labour Party 2:45, 2 Gorffennaf 2024

I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, you said that a decision has not been made, but the reporting is clearly that you are minded to appeal and that that was the argument that you made to Executive colleagues. It is important to acknowledge that, given the timelines that you have outlined, you are seeking to leave office in 48 hours' time, so you may not be there to make the decision. People expect honesty and humility from their public representatives. I acknowledge the constitutional context in which you made your argument, but, given the representations from advocates of a free press and victims of sexual crime, do you continue to support post-death anonymity for sex offenders?