Pre-school children should be taught about issues surrounding consent, an expert advising the Council of Europe has argued. The age of consent for sexual activity in Ireland is 17; however, the Government’s new curriculum for primary schools is due to teach children about the concept of consent. AdvertisementOn Lunchtime Live, Ellen O'Malley Dunlop, who advises the Council of Europe on violence against women and domestic violence, said even young children should be taught about consent. “I don't think it's a good idea to sit children down per se, particularly young children,” she explained. “I think consent is all about how you react with your child around.