Ms Claire McEvoy:

I am the head of research and policy with the ICCL. We thank the committee for the opportunity to be here. The ICCL felt it was especially important to bring our expertise on civil liberties and procedural rights and our understanding of Ireland’s youth justice system to the committee. Our comments are informed by my colleague Seán Egan’s experience representing children in the Children’s Court. Mr. Egan will highlight three key areas: head 3, on restrictions in criminal proceedings against children; head 10, on restrictions on reports of proceedings involving children; and heads 19 and 21, on additional sentencing options and increased discretion for judges.