Calls for child protection referendum intensify

THE Government has come under considerable pressure to guarantee a constitutional referendum on child protection laws after a man accused of the statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl walked free from court yesterday.

The man, known only as “Mr C”, whose successful Supreme Court challenge led to the unlawful carnal knowledge legislation being declared unconstitutional, yesterday had any remaining sexual assault charges against him dropped at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Yesterday, the Rape Crisis Network said there was no clear Government commitment or strategy on the protection of children as proven by the case. The network also expressed its concern that there was still no specific date set for the referendum.