David Norris (Independent)

Senator Ryan is fully correct in respect of what may be termed asymmetrical diplomacy in the Middle East. Yesterday, three children were massacred, but we have done nothing. We have never operated the external association agreement, including its human rights protocols, in its entirety.

I welcome that the Government, through the Minister for Education and Science, has indicated there will be consultation with young people and their representatives on the age of sexual consent. This is an important matter that should be discussed calmly and clearly. I agree with The Irish Times, which today stated "Criminalising sexual experimentation by young people will not however, ensure abstinence. And it is wrong for the Legislature to create a criminal offence and then expect the law officers of the State to ignore it." The Irish Times is completely right, as this is a tangled mess. As elected representatives, we should try to untangle it.