Committee to question DPP on statutory rape controversy

The Director of Public Prosecutions is to appear before a special Oireachtas committee examining the statutory rape controversy.

The new Committee on Child Protection will begin meeting in two weeks to discuss a number of issues arising out of the Supreme Court's decision to strike down part of the law on statutory rape.

Up to 25 interest groups have submitted reports, including the Children's Rights Alliance and the Ombudsman for Children.

The committee is due to publish a detailed study of the issue by the end of the year.