The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has welcomed the passing of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, saying that although it has not addressed all of the issues relating to children, it provides long overdue protections in many areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act recognises new forms of sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including child grooming. It also introduces new protection measures for child complaints. These developments are a significant step forward in the protection of children\u2019s rights and welfare.<\/p>\n
\u201cA safeguard against criminalisation of peer to peer consensual acts has been included, as has our recommendation to include the term \u2018sexual act with a child\u2019, rather than defilement. These changes were long overdue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am however, somewhat disappointed at the inconsistencies in addressing the definition of a child within this piece of legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201c<\/strong>The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) defines a child as a person under 18 years of age. However, in various sections of this act, a child is defined as a person under 15, under 17 and under 18.<\/p>\n \u201cNo explanation has been given as to why a child under 18 years is not, at all times, afforded the same protections as a child under the age of 15 or 17. Although 17 is the age of sexual consent, it is inappropriate to use this age for the purposes of defining the age of a child. I fear this will lead to future confusion and that it may have an impact in drafting other pieces of legislation relating to children.<\/p>\n \u201cThough I feel this was a missed opportunity to definitively address inconsistencies in how we see children in legislation, I would like to commend the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, as well as all of those who have campaigned and contributed to this legislation. I have no doubt that overall it will have a positive impact on the welfare of children in Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact: Notes to Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAoife Carragher
\nOmbudsman for Children\u2019s Office
\n087 148 4173\/ 01 865 6800<\/p>\n