Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not question anyone's bona fides in relation to this. As Deputy Burton has said, everybody wants what is best for their children. I am sure everybody shares that view. I am sure we all share the view that everybody wants to make sure children are protected. There is a big and broad debate about the issue of consent across society. It covers a number of areas, including the sexual age of consent and the medical age of consent. I would like to reiterate a point I made last night. The policy on medical consent here is exactly the same as the policy on medical consent for every other part of the health service. Deputy Butler asked me about this last night. It is the same as the age of consent in relation to contraception, gender realignment and cosmetic surgery. The issue of consent actually features on our Statute Book. Deputy Ó Cuív was probably in government when the legislation in question was introduced. He may even have brought it forward.

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