Rape Crisis Network Ireland is calling for a definition of consent to be included in new legislation on sexual offences.

The Criminal Law Sexual Offences Bill is being returned to the Dail this week by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

The RCNI says it’s good news that new offences dealing with child pornography are included.

But it says a clear definition of consent is badly needed.

Legal Policy Director with the RCNI is Caroline Counihan: “Prosecutors, defence lawyers, accused persons, jury members, judges, have then got the chance of having a very clear understanding of what is meant by consent and outside the courtroom maybe in a way the more important bit is it sets a standard of behaviour.”