Sexual offences bill criticised for ‘missed opportunity’

The passing of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill has been criticised for missing opportunities.

The bill passed through its final stage in the Seanad on Tuesday evening but the Ombudsman for Children said there were “inconsistencies” in how a child is defined in the legislation.

“I am, however, somewhat disappointed at the inconsistencies in addressing the definition of a child within this piece of legislation.