Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I have never witnessed such a display of arrogance, dishonesty and double talk as I witnessed today from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. He has refused to accept any responsibility for the appalling vista that has opened up or any regret for the horrifying shambles surrounding the law on statutory rape. Last week the Minister told the House he knew nothing about the issue. This morning he told us that doing nothing was a deliberate policy of his Department. Last week he told us there was no crisis, no gaping void. Today he told us he immediately recognised the serious consequences of the Supreme Court decision.

I have very serious misgivings about sections of the Bill. It is not gender-neutral, it has an in-built inequality and will criminalise 16 year olds engaged in consensual sexual acts. This Minister and Government are out of touch with reality, tired and too long in power. The Taoiseach should take his responsibilities seriously, sack the Minister and face the people in a general election.

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