Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

This issue, which has existed for the past 30 years, concerns children's rights and their unique position within the justice system. Current policy is at odds with the opinion of the previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, who felt it contradictory to pass legislation which emphasised rehabilitation and deterrence over retribution if children aged between seven and 12 continued to be subject to prosecution. I would like to know the reason for the change in the Government's position. Does responsibility for the change lie with civil servants, the Minister or the Minister of State?