When is it proposed to take Report Stage?
Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages
Sections 1 to 5, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
Now.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Bill received for final consideration.
When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?
Now.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I send my gratitude to my colleagues in both Houses who supported the progress of this important Bill. The widespread support has been very welcome and very important. The contributions to date have demonstrated a robust backing for the objectives of this Bill. It is clear that we are united in seeking to mitigate against the very real threat of children being exploited to be engaged in criminal activity.
We now have legislation that enables the Garda and other authorities to intervene at an early stage in the grooming of children into crime. For the first time, we are making it an offence for an adult to involve a child in crime, whether that means using children to run drugs for a gang or getting them into shoplifting or stealing cars and bikes. The Garda will now be able to go after the adults who control these crimes. Members of the Garda will no longer be forced to rely solely on prosecuting children for possessing drugs or stealing cars; they will now be able to criminalise the adults for the lifelong harm they cause to children.
The provisions in the Bill are novel for this jurisdiction and I genuinely believe they will make a real difference to our ability to intervene and make a significant difference in the lives of children who are being exploited by criminal gangs.
I will speak briefly because the business is concluded. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and his officials for all the work that has been put into this legislation. It is important legislation, as the Minister of State outlined in his concluding remarks. Clearly, with no Members of the Opposition present in the Chamber, it is not particularly difficult or contentious legislation. It has been welcomed on all sides. No amendments were tabled. It is positive legislation that is being adopted by the House unanimously and I welcome its passing. Hopefully it will do something to ensure that children into the future are protected from being brought into crime.
I agree with Senator Horkan. I thank the Minister of State and officials for the work they have done on this important legislation. It is being put through in a timely manner.
Question put and agreed to.
When is it proposed to sit again?
Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.
Cuireadh an Seanad ar athló ar 4.21 p.m. go dtí 10.30 a.m., Dé Céadaoin, an 6 Márta 2024.
The Seanad adjourned at 4.21 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 6 March 2024.