The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice has defended proposed reforms to the youth justice system that could see children as young as 10 facing criminal prosecution.
Michael McDowell said yesterday that public opinion in Ireland demanded that criminal prosecutions should be pursued against young people accused of homicide or sexual offences.
"Anyone in Ireland who rapes or murders an eight-year-old at the age of 11 must face consequences," said Mr McDowell, who was speaking at an EU meeting in Finland, in response to concerns expressed by UN officials.
This week in Geneva, officials on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed reservations about the legal reform, which is due to take effect next month. Lucy Smith, a Norwegian legal expert, said she was disappointed with plans which would allow children as young as 10 years old to be held legally responsible for certain crimes.
Mr McDowell said the UN members were entitled to their view but said it was the responsibility of legislators to deal with the possibility that such crimes may occur.