Menu
29/03/2017
New Sexual Offence Laws Come Into Force
New laws on sexual offences have come into effect after the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, signed an Order commencing certain provisions of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.
After signing the order, the Tánaiste said: "The new offences relating to child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse are significant steps forward in strengthening our laws, In particular the Act introduces a specific offence relating to the use of information and communications technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child.
"The offence includes communicating, via ICT, with a child for the purpose of the sexual exploitation of that child and also the sending of sexually explicit material to a child and thereby targets online sexual grooming of children.
"There are new and strengthened offences relating to child pornography. Among these is an offence of attending a live pornographic performance involving a child, including attendance via the use of information and communication technology.
"Offences concerning sexual acts with under age children have also been restated and strengthened in this Act. However, the Act also recognises the reality of under age, consensual, peer relationships through the introduction of a 'proximity of age' defence. Under this provision, a person charged with an offence of engaging in a sexual act with a person between the ages of 15 and 17 years can rely on a defence where the act is consensual, non-exploitative and the age difference is no more than two years.
"A statutory statement of consent to a sexual act is included in this Act. Not only does this bring Irish legislation into law with other common law jurisdictions, but the provision reflects the experience in terms of issues that arise at the trial of these cases. Consent is at the heart of every lawful sexual act and the clarity brought to the issue in this Act reinforces that fact.
"The provisions will also target the demand for prostitution. I am absolutely convinced that this is key in targeting the wider exploitation associated with prostitution, including the trafficking of persons for the purpose of prostitution.
"This Act identifies those most vulnerable to sexual exploitation and it targets those who take advantage of that vulnerability."
(MH/CD)
After signing the order, the Tánaiste said: "The new offences relating to child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse are significant steps forward in strengthening our laws, In particular the Act introduces a specific offence relating to the use of information and communications technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child.
"The offence includes communicating, via ICT, with a child for the purpose of the sexual exploitation of that child and also the sending of sexually explicit material to a child and thereby targets online sexual grooming of children.
"There are new and strengthened offences relating to child pornography. Among these is an offence of attending a live pornographic performance involving a child, including attendance via the use of information and communication technology.
"Offences concerning sexual acts with under age children have also been restated and strengthened in this Act. However, the Act also recognises the reality of under age, consensual, peer relationships through the introduction of a 'proximity of age' defence. Under this provision, a person charged with an offence of engaging in a sexual act with a person between the ages of 15 and 17 years can rely on a defence where the act is consensual, non-exploitative and the age difference is no more than two years.
"A statutory statement of consent to a sexual act is included in this Act. Not only does this bring Irish legislation into law with other common law jurisdictions, but the provision reflects the experience in terms of issues that arise at the trial of these cases. Consent is at the heart of every lawful sexual act and the clarity brought to the issue in this Act reinforces that fact.
"The provisions will also target the demand for prostitution. I am absolutely convinced that this is key in targeting the wider exploitation associated with prostitution, including the trafficking of persons for the purpose of prostitution.
"This Act identifies those most vulnerable to sexual exploitation and it targets those who take advantage of that vulnerability."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2012
Pair Charged With Keeping And Profiting From A Brothel
A man and a woman have appeared in court in Limerick charged in connection with running a brothel and living off the earnings of prostitutes. 54-yer-old Thomas Lyons, with an address at The Warrens, Malahide, Co Dublin, was charged with seven counts under the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Act and one count of making a false statement to gardaí.
Pair Charged With Keeping And Profiting From A Brothel
A man and a woman have appeared in court in Limerick charged in connection with running a brothel and living off the earnings of prostitutes. 54-yer-old Thomas Lyons, with an address at The Warrens, Malahide, Co Dublin, was charged with seven counts under the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Act and one count of making a false statement to gardaí.
20 June 2018
Minister For Justice Offers 'Sincere Apology' To Those Criminalised For Their Sexuality
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has offered a sincere apology to men criminalised for the sexuality, prior to Ireland decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993. The Minister expressed his strong support for an All-Party motion which acknowledged the harm done by criminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships.
Minister For Justice Offers 'Sincere Apology' To Those Criminalised For Their Sexuality
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has offered a sincere apology to men criminalised for the sexuality, prior to Ireland decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993. The Minister expressed his strong support for an All-Party motion which acknowledged the harm done by criminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships.
27 July 2016
Almost 12,000 Contacted Dublin Rape Crises Centre In 2015
Almost 12,000 people contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in 2015, the organisation has reported. The official figures shows that half of those contacting the national helpline were doing so for the first time about rape or sexual abuse.
Almost 12,000 Contacted Dublin Rape Crises Centre In 2015
Almost 12,000 people contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in 2015, the organisation has reported. The official figures shows that half of those contacting the national helpline were doing so for the first time about rape or sexual abuse.
10 September 2013
16% Of Students Have An Unwanted Sexual Experience, Report Shows
Senator Ivana Bacik is launching a landmark report published by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) entitled 'Say Something', which documents students' experiences of harassment, stalking, violence and sexual assaults. The report finds that 16% of students overall have had some unwanted sexual experience during their time as a student.
16% Of Students Have An Unwanted Sexual Experience, Report Shows
Senator Ivana Bacik is launching a landmark report published by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) entitled 'Say Something', which documents students' experiences of harassment, stalking, violence and sexual assaults. The report finds that 16% of students overall have had some unwanted sexual experience during their time as a student.
22 September 2022
PSNI Host First Child Sexual Exploitation Training Event
The PSNI have hosted the first multi-agency Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) training event with a range of partner agencies. CSE is a crime that is hidden in plain sight in every society, sometimes undiscovered by Police or other agencies who are providing a safeguarding role in a community.
PSNI Host First Child Sexual Exploitation Training Event
The PSNI have hosted the first multi-agency Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) training event with a range of partner agencies. CSE is a crime that is hidden in plain sight in every society, sometimes undiscovered by Police or other agencies who are providing a safeguarding role in a community.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
