Fifty-four facing charges under struck down statutory rape law

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has confirmed to the Dáil that 54 men accused of having sex with underage girls have been charged under sections of the law which no longer exist.

The clarification follows pressure from Fine Gael and the Labour Party to reveal the exact implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down the statutory rape laws contained in the 1935 Criminal Law Act.

Mr Ahern said today that 12 men were awaiting trial on charges under section two of the act and a further 42 under section one of the legislation.

However, he said he was not worried that these men could be allowed to walk free because the DPP can charge them with other offences like sexual assault or rape.