This paper considers the current rules on consent in Irish rape law and examines the realities of
their operation in practice. This discussion is informed in part by the author’s empirical research with legal
professionals and court accompaniment workers who work within Irish rape trials who shared their views on
the current law as part of the Realities of Rape Trials in Ireland: Perspectives from Practice research project.
Having examined the operation of the current law in this area, the paper offers recommendations for both
legislative and non-legislative interventions which may contribute to a better understanding of consent in
Irish rape trials.