Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I would not disagree with a word Senator O'Toole has said, except to add that while it is extremely important that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should come to the House to explain the situation, it is more important that something be done immediately to protect our children. It is important to separate the issue of the protection of our children from the more complicated issue of the age of consent.

It is for that reason the Labour Party has published a Bill to deal specifically with the issue raised by the Supreme Court. As leader of my group I would have the right to introduce that Bill, but even if I signed it today, under Standing Orders it would not appear on the Order Paper until next week. The situation is that we could not deal with it for a fortnight. Therefore, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, leave be hereby given to immediately introduce a Bill entitled Sexual Offences (Age of Consent) (Temporary Provisions) Bill 2006, and that the aforesaid Bill be debated in Seanad Éireann at the conclusion of all other business today.

It is important that the people, who are extremely concerned about this issue, know the level of sexual predatory behaviour commonplace in the country. They are aware of the vulnerability of children and want action immediately. I and other Members were summoned back from summer holidays on one occasion to bail out a well-known businessman.