Lack of government leaves law for rape victims in limbo

The newly appointed head of the country’s largest rape crisis service provider is warning that vital protections for victims are being delayed while government formation talks drag on. 

Noeline Blackwell, who took over as chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in recent days, is pleading with whoever forms in her new role, the Woman kind fundraising event in Dublin this afternoon.

The wideranging Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill strengthens protections for children against online predators by introducing new offences and tougher sanctions.