Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

My second point is that I agree that urgent legislative action is required. However, other issues suggest it should not be rushed. Senator Maurice Hayes made a valid point about reports from the Law Reform Commission. The trouble is — and it applies in this particular instance — that sometimes its recommendations are substantially in advance of contemporary public and political opinion.

I remember in 1991, a former Fianna Fáil Taoiseach made a suggestion in respect of the age of consent. At that time, he was denounced on all sides, by his own party as well as by the Opposition. Hence, there are times when it is simply not politically possible. The initial negative reaction may be one of the explanations as to why the delay has taken place.