Laws to address gap in definition of sexual consent

People accused of rape will be far less likely to avoid jail due to claims that their victim “consented” while drunk, under laws to be put forward today by the Government.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald will put forward the legal changes at this morning’s Cabinet meeting in a bid to further protect people at risk of assault while in vulnerable positions.

Despite public awareness campaigns in recent years, victims groups have repeatedly said a large number of incidents are never reported because the victim was drunk, asleep, or unconscious at the time.