checkwith Knives There is no set minimum age at which you can own a knife. However, it is an offence to have a knife in a public place without a good reason, such as for work. Children & Surgical Procedures In general, parental consent is required for children to have medical and surgical tests and procedures and to receive vaccinations and inoculations. Under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, children aged 16 and over may themselves give consent to surgical procedures. Sexual Activity & Age of Consent The age of consent to sexual activity is 17 and it is a criminal offence to engage or attempt to engage in a sexual act with a child under 17 years of age. Contraception There is no set minimum age in Ireland at which contraceptive advice and prescriptions may be provided. This means that providers of contraceptive services are entitled to refuse to provide those services to people under 17. Since 2022 Contraception is free for those ages 17-26 from your GP. Recognition of preferred gender An application can be made for a gender recognition certificate on behalf of a child aged 16 years or over if a court order is obtained that exempts the child from meeting the age requirement. You can read more about this on the legal recognition of your preferred gender link. Marriage If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland, the minimum age at which you can marry is 18 years. This is the case even if you marry outside of Ireland. Further information is available in our on the legal requirements for marriage link.
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