Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

On yesterday's Supreme Court decision striking down as unconstitutional legal provisions on statutory rape, I urge the Leader to exert pressure on her Government colleagues to ensure legislation is introduced as quickly as possible to close the loophole the ruling has created. Senator Ryan is correct that legislation should have been ready in anticipation of the judgment. I will co-operate with the Government to ensure such legislation is passed. As legislators, we have a duty to ensure speedy action is taken to address this matter as to do otherwise would fail children. Certain individuals will use the court's decision as an excuse to take advantage of children and young people.

While I accept a debate is needed on the issue of consent, I oppose lowering the age of consent because the possibility that young people will be pressurised by their peers raises questions about whether consent is genuine. I accept, however, that there may be different levels of culpability and the age of an offender may need to be taken into account. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that a debate on this matter in the Oireachtas does not delay the introduction of legislation to deal with the consequences of yesterday's judgment. To allow such a delay would let down children as they may become the victims of adults who will take advantage of and exploit them.