asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing legislation to make the parents of children liable for malicious damage committed by their children who are below the age of criminal responsibility.
Written Answers. - Treatment of Young Offenders.
686.
As indicated in Building on Reality the Government are committed to the preparation of new legislation in relation to the treatment of young offenders. The question of strengthening the law with regard to parental responsibility for damage caused by children who have not reached the age of criminal responsibility will fall to be considered in this context.
As the Deputy is probably aware, under existing legislation (section 99 of the Children Act, 1908), a court may order a parent to pay a fine, damages or costs in respect of an offence committed by his child unless the court is satisfied that the parent did not conduce to the commission of the offence by neglecting to exercise due care of the child. A child for this purpose means a person who has attained the age of criminal responsibility, which is seven years at present.