Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I am grateful for the opportunity this evening to raise with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the need to outline his views on the need to criminalise the act of grooming a young child for a crime, in light of the many disturbing reports of children being used by criminal gangs to smuggle drugs and weapons. Some very startling and disconcerting information has come to light in recent days. This includes a report, yet to be published, but discussed in the media. The report details a significant rise in the number of children being coerced by criminal gangs to act as foot-soldiers and couriers in drug crimes. It has become clear that cases involving €4 million worth of drugs have come before the Children's Court in the past year. Another study shows that more than 100 children have had to be placed in detention for their protection. These are disturbing facts and they raise serious questions. A lawyer appointed by the Government as a child protection expert called on the Minister to review Ireland's laws on children and to protect children being exploited and groomed by criminal gangs.

The revelations are disturbing. This has occurred in other countries, but people are still quite surprised and find it difficult to believe it could occur in this country. A case involving a 15 year old boy appeared before the courts in which the boy stated that he was threatened that his head would be blown off if he did not agree to hide a loaded hand gun for a gang. In another case a 14 year old boy was found in possession of a double-barrelled shotgun and 12 cartridges, and yet another case involved a 14 year old caught driving a car while wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying a knife. A Garda chief superintendent commented last year that some gangs were preying on children from dysfunctional families. Significant child protection issues arise and a discussion on child protection services has already taken place in the House. These are the most extreme cases which have come to the attention of the Garda and the HSE and the matter requires a multifaceted approach; of this there is no doubt.

Will the Minister outline whether the Government is considering legislation to make it a criminal offence to groom a child for criminal activity? What steps is the Government taking to protect such children and to develop the social supports such children clearly need? Has the Minister discussed this growing problem with the Garda Commissioner? What studies and reviews have the Government undertaken to clarify the situation regarding the number of children involved with gangs?

I thank the Minister of State for appearing in the House and I look forward to hearing the comments of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this issue. I hope the Government will play its part in intervening in this very serious and developing social problem.