Sexual consent to be defined in law

A new definition of consent to a sexual act has been signed off by Cabinet which campaigners say will make the law clearer for victims and judges.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald brought forward the proposal to provide a definition of sexual consent in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill.

The definition outlines a number of cases where consent is not given, including where a person is intoxicated, asleep or unconscious.