Grooming of children into crime to be criminalised

Helen McEntee

The Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 makes it an offence for an adult to compel, coerce, direct or deceive a child for the purpose of engaging in criminal activity, or to induce, invite, aid, abet, counsel or procure a child to engage in criminal activity.

It limits the liability to adults to avoid further criminalising children, some of whom could influence other children to commit crime.

Those found guilty of the new offences face imprisonment of up to 12 months on summary conviction and up to five years on indictment.

The child concerned does not have to be successful in carrying out the offence for the law to apply.

James Browne, minister of state in the Department of Justice, said: “I am so pleased to see this new legislation passing through the final stages of the Oireachtas.

“This government committed to address the damaging practice of adults grooming children for the purposes of committing crime. It is only right to make punishable the harm caused to children by drawing them into a life of crime.”

He continued: “The Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity Bill makes new provisions in Irish law which will allow for the prosecution of an adult who uses a child in this way as if they had committed the crimes themselves.

“The law as it stands today does not recognise that there are, in fact, two distinct aspects to this type of crime: the visible crime against the victim, as well as the very grave wrong against the child. After this bill has been enacted, it will be possible to prosecute the adult for both the crime that is committed by the child and for the harm done to the child.

“It falls to us all to protect the children of Ireland and this bill is a huge step in the right direction. My Department colleague, minister Helen McEntee, and I have been steadfast in our commitment to ensuring this vital legislation comes to pass. I hope to see this important law enacted as soon as possible.”

Justice minister Helen McEntee added: “I want to acknowledge Minister Browne’s work in developing this bill and in steering it through the Oireachtas.

“Along with other important milestones such as the recent extension of the Greentown project, it marks another step as we strive to deliver on our commitment to criminalise those who target some of the most vulnerable in our society, our children and young people, in order to commit offences.

“This legislation will it be an effective tool for tackling organised crime, it will also protect children from the harmful effects of crime on their lives, their families’ lives and futures as citizens who are properly equipped to benefit fully from all that society has to offer.”