§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when consultation proposals on sexual offences in Northern Ireland will be issued, following the announcement of a review in October 2003. [175726]
§ Mr. SpellarWe have not yet completed our consideration of this issue.
§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to ensure that children in Northern Ireland are afforded the same protection as those in England and Wales under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. [175693]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Sexual Offences Act 2003 was implemented on 1 May 2004. Of the 19 offences which extend directly to Northern Ireland in the Act, 9 of these relate specifically to offences against children. For example, the new offence of meeting a child following sexual grooming provides for a vital new level of protection for our children.
We have also taken the opportunity to extend to Northern Ireland the strengthened provisions which protect children, often particularly vulnerable children, who are in relationships of trust with adults.
The Act also creates new offences which specifically criminalise the abuse of children through prostitution and pornography.
The new offence of sexual activity in a public toilet also extends to Northern Ireland, and is an indication that this sort of behaviour, which is clearly inappropriate in a public toilet, will not be tolerated, particularly where children can be present.
These changes represent a significant improvement in the level of protection offered to children in Northern Ireland.