Alex's Answer

Hello. Thanks for getting in contact with Ask Alex. 

So, you are thinking about possibly having sex when you turn 17? It’s good to be thinking about when you are ready. When considering having sex, it’s important to be informed and to keep yourself safe. Being honest about what you want is a good place to start, along with thinking about what you are comfortable with.  

In Ireland, the age of consent is 17 years. That means when you are 17, you will be able to decide with whom to have sex  and legally give consent to that partner. It can be an offense for someone to engage in sexual activity with someone who is younger than 17 year of age. 

Here is an article from the Childline website with more information that I hope you find useful: www.childline.ie/how-to-know-when-youre-ready-to-have-sex/. This other website has all the facts about relationships and sexuality information b4udecide.ie/. 

If you wish to chat privately, more about this you can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and chatting is free and confidential. You can talk to us by phone at 1800 66 66 66 or chat to us on our webchat at www.childline.ie , just click on the purple Messenger tab on the side of the screen. It’s a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings and not be judged. 

Thanks for your question and all the best of luck to you,  

Alex