Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

The filmed attack on the child in Navan more than a week ago has shocked so many people throughout the country. The sustained nature of it, as the child lay on the ground, was brutal. It is important there is justice for this child and his family. Sadly, it is not an isolated event. Peer violence outside schools is growing in this country and child-on-child violence is also growing in Ireland at the moment. I do not wish to speak specifically about this case in its legal aspects because we want to see the law implemented properly. However, in general terms, would the Taoiseach agree that there has to be a real cost to young perpetrators of violence on young people, a real deterrent to protect children from violence? The youth diversion programme plays a valuable role in diverting children from the criminal system. However, would the Taoiseach agree that when it comes to significant violence by children on children that the juvenile liaison officer, JLO, system is not the required justice and is not a sufficient deterrent?

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