McDowell vows to close loophole over soliciting children

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has vowed to close any legal loophole that could prevent people from being charged with soliciting children for sex.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has vowed to close any legal loophole that could prevent people from being charged with soliciting children for sex.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte told the Dáil this morning that he had received legal advice that there was no specific law outlawing such activity.

His comments come as gardaí in Dublin investigate allegations that a number of adults paid to have sex with a 14-year-old boy via a gay website.

Mr McDowell said this afternoon that he was checking the existing law to assess the situation and would introduce new legislation if Mr Rabbitte was proved to be correct.

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

Dublin and Monaghan Bombing 50th anniversary Families of victims of Dublin-Monaghan bombs remain ‘firm in quest for justice’
RTE report Poll gives ‘confidence’ to the prospects of coalition returning – Donohoe
Garda Motorist, 50s, killed in three-car collision in Mayo
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited