McDowell, AG and DPP face scrutiny over role

THE three most senior legal figures in the State now face intense scrutiny over their respective roles in the case that led to the section of the 1935 Act outlawing statutory rape of under 15s being struck down.

The Government yesterday came under renewed attack for the “information deficit” that resulted in a situation where Justice Minister Michael McDowell and Attorney General (AG) Rory Brady had “no inkling” of the case until the Supreme Court delivered its judgment.

Questions were also asked about the channels of communication between the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, James Hamilton, and the Department of Justice and AG’s office.