NEARLY seven in ten voters are opposed to the idea of reducing the age of consent from 17 to 16 years, according to the latest Sunday Tribune opinion poll.

The result confirms the tricky decision the government faces on plans to hold a referendum in March dealing with the statutory rape controversy, especially with Fine Gael opposition to any age change.

Some 68% of respondents to the poll by IMS Millward Brown said they were opposed to a recent Oireachtas committee recommendation that the age of consent be reduced from 17 to 16 years.

Only 25% favoured the age reduction.

The strong opinions on the subject were indicated by how few respondents (8%) expressed no opinion or said they did not know about the subject.

The recommendation was made by the Oireachtas Child Protection Committee which examined the legal and social consequences of last year's Supreme Court ruling in the statutory rape controversy The objective of a March referendum would be to remove the defence of 'honest mistake' which the Supreme Court ruling leaves open to adults who have sex with minors.

Children's minister Brian Lenihan is currently consulting with the main opposition parties and various interest groups, including religious organisations.

Lenihan's draft wording for a constitutional referendum does not directly deal with the age of consent issue which would be addressed subsequently by legislation. However, there are concerns in government circles that the referendum debate would become highly confused as the controversial age of consent issue would most likely impinge upon the campaign. While not a party political issue, neither Fianna Fáil nor the PDs want a referendum rejection only weeks before the general election campaign officially commences.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has strongly rejected a reduction in the age of consent. The Catholic Church has also stated its opposition to the proposal. Lenihan and justice minister Michael McDowell were members of the Child Protection Committee but the cabinet has yet to publicly decide on the recommendations made. However, the government would probably have to signal clearly its intentions on legislation for the age of consent ahead of the referendum.

The Sunday Tribune poll found opposition to changing the age of consent was highest in older age groups and among rural voters. Eighty per cent of those living in rural areas indicated their opposition while 76% of people over 50 years were against a change.

Support for the age reduction was highest in the 25-34 age category at 34% and among Dublin voters at 36%.

The Child Protection Committee recommended the law be changed to provide a "zone of absolute protection" for children under 16. Having sex with children in this age category would be an automatic criminal offence. The move would also mean young victims would not be cross-examined about their age or conduct in court.

25% In favour of the recommendation
68% Against the recommendation
8% Don't know / no opinion