Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of the highest national importance, namely, the passing last Friday of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006; this flawed legislation which, although it plugged a legal loophole for the protection of children, allows young victims to be traumatised in court, enshrines discrimination based on gender in our legislation and opens up the appalling vista of criminalising young men and having their names placed on the sex offenders register for engaging in consensual teenage sex.

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