Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin on a number of points. The human trafficking Bill is being prepared and will come before the House. The broad definition is one of the things with which we must deal and I agree with the point that it more correctly reflects the issue. We have a strong body of legislation and, as the Deputy said, these are serious issues which the House has been addressing. The reason so much legislation on sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault and rape, including the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, has been introduced in the past 15 years was to protect our children and young people. We have a strong base of law, for example, a 14 year penalty can be imposed in cases of sexual assault on a minor and a life term can be imposed if any degree of force is used in an aggravated sexual assault. That anyone would go into court and state that they are guilty of statutory rape is itself an indication of the seriousness of these offences.

All of this is to protect our children. In this particular case we now have an issue that we have to deal with. It is all about protecting our young people so they can move around freely and their parents can understand they are safe. This is the reason we have far tougher sentencing in this area than in other areas. We will have to deal with the issue arising from the Supreme Court decision and examine any knock-on implications it has for any other Acts. It is not just a question of making a few amendments but of looking at its implications for other legislation and we will do that.

The Government and, I am sure, everybody else, want to protect our children and be seen to do so. We are satisfied that we have a strong body of law.

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