Diana Johnson – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Women and Equalities

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Diana Johnson on 2016-05-26.

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what discussions she has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and (b) members of the Northern Ireland Executive about the prosecution of women in Northern Ireland under the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

Caroline Dinenage

The Government regularly discusses equalities issues with the Devolved Administrations, including the Northern Ireland Executive. We also raise important issues with territorial offices when necessary, having due regard to devolution arrangements.

As part of the Northern Ireland Devolution Settlement, prosecutions under the Offences against the Person Act 1861 are a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive.