Press Release: Justice  30 May 2006

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30 May 2006

Green Party calls for immediate introduction of statutory rape legislation

As High Court nullifies conviction for unlawful carnal knowledge of 12 year old

The Green Party has called again for the immediate introduction of legislation regarding statutory rape following the release this afternoon of a 41-year-old man. The man has been previously sentenced for the statutory rape of a 12-year-old girl. The High Court released the man on account of a Supreme Court ruling last week which struck down the law making it an automatic crime to have sex with a girl under the age of 15. 

Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said:  “I understand that the Minister for Justice was due to brief his Cabinet colleagues today on his proposals to close this loophole. I hope that the Minister McDowell and his colleagues understand that there can be no delay in bringing the proposed legislation forward for passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.   

"The Dail must move to extradite the legislation and, if necessary, sit next week during the recess to make sure this urgently required legislation is passed without any further delay.  

“The Law Reform Commission recommended that this legislation be reformed back in 1990. It beggars belief that 16 years on, a man can walk free from a rape charge because the reform was never undertaken. It is imperative that the Oireachtas is given the opportunity to pass the required legislation to protect all Irish teenagers and children without delay.”