The consultation invites views on current laws which protect children from sexual exploitation and proposed measures to strengthen some laws where appropriate.

Views are sought from interested parties and individuals, particularly those who have experience in dealing with child sexual exploitation.

Peter May, permanent secretary for the Department of Justice, said: “We want to ensure that the legal framework for protecting children is up to date, appropriate and effective in all aspects, including emerging trends such as online and technology-based abuse.

“These laws are essential, not just to protect children and young people from abuse, but also to bring perpetrators to justice. The outcome of this consultation will contribute towards creating a safe community by ensuring that the law relating to these issues remains valid and appropriate.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in protecting children to access the consultation and give your views on these important issues.”

The consultation looks at existing criminal law relating to a number of specific areas including: indecent images of children; grooming and online exploitation; child abduction; child sex dolls and sexual offences involving abuse of trust. It also proposes additional measures to assist in dealing with ‘up-skirting’ and strengthened police powers to prevent and stop exploitation and abuse.

This consultation exercise will allow proposals to be developed in readiness for consideration by a future Justice Minister. Any legislative changes arising from the consultation proposals will need the approval of a Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly.