Government Drafting New Laws On Sexual ‘Grooming’ Of Children

The Government has reportedly confirmed that it is drafting new legislation to deal with the sexual “grooming” of young people.

The move comes as gardaí in Dublin investigate allegations that a number of adults paid to have sex with a 14-year-old boy who was targeted on a gay website.

Reports this morning say a new bill dealing with sexual offences will introduce penalties of up to 14 years in prison for “grooming” a child under the age of 15 and seven years for a child under 17.

The Department of Justice, however, is stressing that strong laws are already in place in relation to sexual offences against minors.