Child protection committee to hold first meeting today

The special Oireachtas committee set up to examine issues relating to child protection is due to hold its first meeting today.

The body was established as part of the Government's response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on underage sex.

Its remit is to examine ways to improve child protection, including the possibility of a constitutional amendment to ensure the law protects sexually abused youngsters.

In a new departure, two Government ministers have been appointed as members of the committee - Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and Minister for Children Brian Lenihan.

Mr Lenihan has already said he does not favour a constitutional referendum following the Supreme Court decisions, but would instead like to focus on how the courts can be made more child-friendly.