Opposition to launch initiative on statutory rape issue

The two main opposition parties will today announce a joint initiative aimed at tackling the issues which arose from the recent statutory rape controversy.

The crisis erupted after the Supreme Court struck down the existing law, a move which cleared the way for a number of convicted rapists to apply for their release.

This controversy was a major blow to the Government so it is hardly surprising that the opposition would now move to make some political gain.

The Government itself has already taken a number of steps to remedy the situation with the introduction of emergency legislation to replace the struck down law.

Also earlier this week, Minister of State Brian Lenihan appointed two Special Rapporteurs for Child Protection.

They will monitor legal developments nationally and internationally in criminal and civil law.

The Government is also to seek the views of teenagers on where the age of consent for sexual activity should be set.

The details of what Fine Gael and Labour would like to do will be known later today.