Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I formulated section 5 at a meeting of Government. The notion that Fianna Fáil members went into a room and came back with the section is a falsehood. The Deputy can believe it all he likes but it did not happen.

It has been suggested that instead of decriminalising all teenage sex, lesser penalties should be provided. A District Court fine of, say, €1,000 has been mentioned.

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