DPP indicates support of referendum on statutory rape law

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has indicated that he would support a decision by the Dáil to hold a referendum on statutory rape law.

James Hamilton made his remarks in a private meeting with the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, and Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan, in which they discussed changes needed in the law relating to sexual offences against children.

He met the ministers and other members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Child Protection, which was set up following the collapse of existing statutory rape laws, following a Supreme Court ruling last May that it was unconstitutional.