Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I welcome this motion. The only issue I will raise is that the Labour Party is unhappy with the 18-month timeframe. The Minister stated in his speech that the legislation allows for the commission to endeavour to submit its report within the specified time period. If, therefore, the commission found it could not submit a report within the 18 months, it could get an extension. That would deal with the issue, although it is still a concern. The Minister might confirm in his reply if such an extension is possible.

I am also uneasy about any proposal to lower the age of consent. It is a good idea for consultation to take place on such issues but we must be wary of the fact that, irrespective of what happens where young people have sexual intercourse, they do not have the same physical and emotional maturity as adults. The age of consent is there to protect young people from adults who would exploit and take advantage of them. If the age of consent was lowered, some adults would see young people as fair game. In the case mentioned, the judge stated that the young person concerned is vulnerable and the law is there to protect her.