AQW 44322/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 20/04/2026
Answered On Date: 20/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department plans to introduce Jade’s Law, or a similar legislative vehicle, that would suspend parental responsibility for parents who murder their partner or ex-partner.

Answer:

I have asked my officials to initiate detailed policy development now including provisions similar in effect to Jade’s Law, as part of a wider reform of parental responsibility and family law reforms.

While Jade’s law is on the statute books in Britain, it has not yet been enacted due to the complexities of the process. We can and will learn from there and elsewhere.

This approach will allow us to develop robust legislation that properly reflects our own legal system and will ultimately provide stronger protections for children and families affected by the most serious crimes.

I am committed to legislating to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.