Sir, - I am directed by the Minister for Justice, Mrs. Nora Owen TD, to refer to the statement by Mr. Willie O'Dea TD reported in your issue (September 6th), that Fianna Fail was seeking a law against "stalkers".
As the Minister has already indicated in reply to parliamentary questions on April 2nd, April 30th, May 1st and June 19th of this year from a number of Fianna Fail and other deputies, legislation is being drafted. to reform the law relating to nonfatal offences against the person. The Minister also indicated that this legislation will include provision for a new offence of harassment, aimed at "stalkers", on the lines of the recommendation in that regard in the Law Reform Commission's report on non fatal offences against the person.
The Minister hopes to publish this legislation during the coming Dail session. - Yours etc.,
Private Secretary to the Minister for Justice, Dublin.