 However, in 2008 this enactment was reversed by the British government in the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, which made the age of consent in Northern Ireland 16, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.The reason given for this Order being made was to bring the age of consent into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.The Criminal Justice Minister, Paul Goggins, said there was no compelling reason for the age to be different in Northern Ireland.