Clause 8 - Common assault to be an arrestable offence
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [Lords]
4:00 pm
Lady Lady Hermon (North Down, UUP)
I apologise for coming to the Committee late. I was dealing with Northern Ireland business in Room 14.
I ask the Minister to focus his attention on Northern Ireland, as we are heading into the parading or marching season. Perhaps the Minister would like to come over and witness it first hand. He would see that tempers get frayed in those circumstances. The potential application of clause 8 is very wide and it might aggravate the situation considerably. Has the Minister consulted the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission about the implications of the Bill for enhancing community relations? What impact does the Human Rights Commission think that the measure might have on Northern Ireland at a sensitive time?