Govt hoping to appoint children’s watchdog within days

The Government is hoping that a new children's watchdog could be appointed within days.

It is hoped the appointee will be able to warn the Government of possible constitutional issues, such as the recent statutory rape legislation problems.

The Minister for Children Brian Lenihan also hopes procedures will be put in place in the near future which will allow children at the centre of statutory rape cases to give court evidence by video link.

The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has said youngsters who claim they have been subject to a statutory rape could have to give evidence about their dress and behaviour prior to the alleged assault.