Eoghan McKenna, chair of the Law Society of Northern Ireland’s criminal law committee, was among experts contributing to this week’s discussion.

The discussion, hosted by the all-party group’s chair, Stewart Dickson MLA, examined areas including the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the under-13 voluntary protocol, the Justice Bill currently before the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the youth justice system.

In addition to Mr McKenna, the discussion heard from Catherine Kierans, assistant director in the serious crime unit at the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), and Rachel Woods, interim head of policy in the Office of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).

Speaking afterwards, Mr Dickson said: “Today’s discussions mark both a timely and crucial debate for policymakers.

“Ensuring that our children and young people have the upmost and unfettered access to justice is a vital and fundamental right that should be guaranteed for those within our criminal justice system.

“The all-party group is proud to be leading these discussions and creating a space where we can endeavour to collectively advance the rights of our children and young people.”

The Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland, which act as the APG secretariat, said in a joint statement: “The legal profession remains steadfast in its commitment to representing and advocating for our children and young people in the criminal justice system.

“The discussions that took place today on enhancing access to justice for this section of our society are welcome, and we are privileged to act as secretariat in bringing our elected representatives and sector stakeholders together to improve and advance our justice system.”

There were 3,356 cases relating to young people coming into formal contact with Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system in 2023-24, according to Department of Justice figures.