Any person 17 years or older can have sexual relations with another person aged 17 years or more, if they each consent. This can be a person of the same or the opposite sex [Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 s 57]. It is against the law for a person in a position of 'care and authority' (for example, a teacher) to have sex, or to try to have sex with a person under 18 years [Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 s 49].

Advice on contraception can be obtained from a medical practitioner or other health services. There is no legal requirement for a parent to consent for a child to receive contraceptive medical advice or treatment, but in the case of a child aged under 16 years, a second medical opinion may be necessary.