Ahern to face grilling on rape law crisis
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is likely to face tough questions in the Dáil today about the Mr A Case, which rocked the nation last week.
The Government cancelled the week-long Dáil June break amid opposition calls for debate after a 41-year-old man who had sex with a 12-year-old girl after plying her with drink was released early.
The Government is reportedly set to unveil a series of measures in the Dáil today in an effort to prevent further controversy.
Reports this morning say the measures will include the implementation of new checks and balances in the Attorney General's office to ensure better communication.
The Government has come under severe criticism over the fact that there was no communication from the AG's office about the impending Supreme Court ruling.
Elsewhere, a legal expert will also reportedly be appointed to carry out an annual audit of laws related to child-protection issues, while an inquiry will be established to determine if procedures put in place after the Brendan Smyth affair in 1994 were adhered to.
This morning's reports say a new all-party committee will also be set up to examine all the issues arising from the controversy over the age of consent.
Mr Ahern was criticised for attending an AIDS summit in New York on Friday while emergency legislation was rushed through the Oireachtas and state lawyers appealed the release of the man, known as Mr A, to the Supreme Court.
The new law, which now allows the defence of mistaking the age of a youngster, was passed by the Dáil and Seanad and signed by President Mary McAleese during a day of frantic activity in which the Supreme Court also ordered the rearrest of Mr A.
Some opposition politicians have claimed the new legislation is deeply flawed.
Both the Dáil and Seanad will sit today and tomorrow and the Government has listed several debates including the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 and the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005.
Sinn Féin has called for all other business to be set aside until the wider issues around sex offences are dealt with.
The party’s Dáil leader, Caoimhghin O Caolain, said rushing legislation through the Dáil last week was a necessary step to deal with the Supreme Court ruling on the 1935 legislation but matters surrounding the issue should now be discussed.
“We are very concerned that if these issues are not also dealt with, we will compound the current situation whereby, for example, a 16-year-old boy who has consensual sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl is guilty of a crime,” he added.
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