Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the wake of the unsettling events that unfolded in Dublin last Thursday, is it worth examining the Children's Act 2001? It needs to be revised in light of the concerns that emerged. Video footage clearly depicts a mixture of individuals, both adolescents and adults, who are easily recognisable in appearance and clothing as well as the use of bicycles and electric scooters, engaging in an act of violence which is deeply disturbing. We now need to strengthen the Judiciary with the necessary tools to effectively punish minors under the age of 18 who are involved in violence and criminal incidents such as physical attacks on front-line gardaí or emergency services, as we witnessed last week. At present, minors under the age of 18 may perceive themselves as operating without the fear of consequences under current laws. While it is crucial that we promote tolerance from a young age, it is also essential that we create deterrents for adolescents who may be drawn into a life of crime, often influenced by adults via social media platforms. We need to strike a balance between leniency for those under 18 and more serious punishments for adults involved in serious violent crimes.

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