Mary Coughlan
Question:14 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to raise the age of criminal responsibility. [9735/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Age of Criminal Responsibility.
The Children Bill, which is now at the final stage of preparation, will raise the age of criminal responsibility from seven to ten years.
Was there dissension in the Government regarding this matter, and are the reports that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs wanted to raise the age to 14 years true?
The reason the Children Act, 1908, was not reformed long before now is because of dissension within successive Governments on matters of this nature since the State was formed.
This was one of a number of core issues that divided all Governments until I was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for co-ordinating matters. That is why the age long dissension has ended and why, before the summer recess, I intend to publish the Children Bill.
With due respect, I remind the Minister of State that the 1908 Act was amended by a Fianna Fáil led Administration in a most enlightened fashion.
I thank the Deputy for that information, but we are talking about updating and reforming the Children Act, 1908. I am sure that was not the information the Deputy sought but I am glad to be able to give it to him.