Some 68% of respondents to today's Sunday Tribune/ IMS Millward Brown poll oppose plans to reduce the age of consent, as recommended by the Oireachtas child protection committee.

Only 25% were in favour.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny last night welcomed the findings. "I would oppose any move to lower the age of consent out of a personal conviction both as a parent and a politician, " he said.

"Lowering the age of consent would remove one of the protections teenagers have to peer pressure in relation to this."

Children's minister Brian Lenihan will this week meet with the opposition parties ahead of a cabinet decision.

The government is expected to back a referendum to remove the 'honest mistake' defence which last year's Supreme Court ruling leaves open to adults who have sex with minors.

To avoid a divisive debate, the government is drafting a wording that does not deal directly with the age issue, which will be subject to legislation. The child protection referendum is expected to be held on the same day as a vote on children's rights.