DPP and ministers to discuss rape law referendum

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is to meet with the Minister for Children and Minister for Justice to discuss a possible referendum on statutory rape law.

James Hamilton will meet with Michael McDowell, Brian Lenihan and other members of the joint Oireachtas Committee on Child Protection to discuss whether changes should be made to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006.

The emergency law was passed in June following the collapse of existing statutory rape laws, which were found in court to be unconstitutional.

The Committee on Child Protection was then established to review the criminal law relating to sexual offences against children, such as the age of consent in relation to sexual offences and procedures regarding evidence of children in abuse cases.

Interested parties had up until yesterday evening to submit recommendations.

By yesterday afternoon, 15 submissions were made but submissions will be accepted in the coming days.

The Children’s Rights Alliance, which represents over 80 organisations working with children, said the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 is “flawed” and should be amended.

Its submission said: “A more appropriate means [than prohibition] of encouraging young people to be responsible in relation to sexual behaviour is through investing in education and youth programmes.”

The Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) recommended an amendment of the Constitution to give express recognition to children’s rights.