Committee to examine issues raised by rape law decision

THE Oireachtas committee established to investigate issues raised by the striking down of the statutory rape law will hold its inaugural meeting today.

The Committee on Child Protection, comprising TDs and senators from across the political spectrum, will review the criminal law relating to sexual offences against children, examine the issues surrounding the age of consent, and consider the best way for children’s evidence to be heard in abuse cases.

Meanwhile, Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan said last night that a culture must be created where it was safe for a child to disclose abuse and where adults they report to are empowered to respond.