Character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court

Lunchtime Live Highlights

Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing [email protected] Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live Highlights on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'

Character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court

Character references have long been a contentious issue in Ireland, but President Michael D Higgins has signed the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is set to change the way character references are treated. The bill means that people who give character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court. To discuss, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Ciara Mangan, sexual assault survivor and Advocate, Natasha O’Brien assault victim and advocate and Mary Crilly, Founder of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork and Safe Gigs.

Podcasts

Lunchtime Live Highlights

Latest episodes

Ask the Expert: Skin

Who is Ireland’s best Lollipop Person?

Is it okay to shout at your children?

Are we over reliant on Google Maps?

How I Live Well: Knitting

Did Kneecap need to apologise?

Character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court