Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Can I explain? I am referring to section 3(6), which deals with the age of 18 years. All I am asking is that the Minister of State, perhaps in this legislation or, if not, a future Bill, would consider having a situation where somebody of 40 or 50 years of age is regarded more seriously. The committee recommended that if there was a ten-year age gap, then the offence should be regarded more seriously. I wanted to share with everyone that which the committee to which I refer came up. Its findings might be something that may be looked at with regard to the age of consent, adding to what Senator Norris has said on that matter.