Lenihan defends Govt stance on statutory rape row

The Minister for Children has defended the Government's position as a result of the fallout from last week's Supreme Court ruling, which saw a convicted sex offender walk free yesterday.

Concerns have been raised across the board amid reports that six more prisoners serving time for having sex with minors could now appeal their convictions.

It follows last week's Supreme Court decision, which found part of the legislation governing statutory rape unconstitutional.

Brian Lenihan said the Government cannot predict rulings or judgments.

“Judge Hardiman gave his judgment last week and that was the first time the Government was on notice on what was decided in the Supreme Court,” the minister said today.

“Judges don't ring up Government ministers to tell them what their results are going to be, and it would be a sad day for Irish democracy and the Irish judicial system if they did.”