RCNI Press Release 24 November 2008

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today said it was very disappointed to learn from the public statement of Alan Shatter at the weekend’s Fine Gael Ard Fheis that the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children report, originally due in March 2008 but delayed to the end of November, is to face yet another delay and will not now be published until 2009.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director, said ‘for the past 18 months the State has struggled to prosecute statutory rape involving the sexual exploitation of vulnerable children. Since May 2006 when Absolute Liability in Statutory Rape law was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, child protection legislation in Ireland has been inadequate, and inferior to other common law jurisdictions, such as England and Wales. While it is imperative that the replacement child protection measures are the right ones, it is also vital this matter is resolved as soon as possible. Delay means that child victims of sexual exploitation are less likely to have access to justice and some sex offenders will not face prosecution.

'The current Joint Committee have engaged in a very thorough debate on the complex issues involved. The RCNI have engaged in that debate alongside them. The RCNI remain convinced that Absolute Liability in Statutory Rape cases is necessary. For this a referendum is required.

'The reality is that while we await any new legislation the State is without one very important tool in holding to account those who would sexually exploit teenagers. '

Notes:
• The RCNI is the National Rape Crisis sector body, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change towards a society free from abuse.

 

....................END......................