Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
575. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice her reason for omitting amendments to the Succession Act 1965 from the heads of the courts and civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill that would provide that a convicted killer is not entitled to the full value of a property for which they share joint ownership with the victim as committed to in the summer legislative programme. [46275/21]
View answerAt the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to all families who have been affected in such devastating circumstances.
I can inform the Deputy that work is progressing in amending Section 120 of the Succession Act in order to ensure that perpetrators of domestic homicides could not benefit through inheritance.
My Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General and, as the Deputy will appreciate, there are a number of complex legal issues to be addressed in this area which require thorough examination by experts in this field of law. We are currently considering the most appropriate legislative vehicle to progress this issue. This is a complex area of the law and I want to ensure that we avoid any unintended or unforeseen consequences.
In addition, the independent study on Familicide and Domestic Homicide Review is expected to be published soon. While its terms of reference do not cover this issue specifically I would like to consider the next steps on this important area following on from the publication of that important review.
