Vol. 543 No. 2
705 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of the Government's proposals to compensate victims of abuse in institutional settings, his Department has given any consideration to the revocation of the criminal status of the residents in these institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26787/01]
I refer Deputy Allen to section 258 of the Children Act, 2001, which has not yet entered into force. This section will limit as far as possible the effects of a conviction in respect of most offences committed by children where certain circumstances apply. While it is not possible to say an offence never took place, the section limits as far as possible the effects of a finding of guilt by treating the person for all purposes in law as a person who has not committed, been charged with, prosecuted for, found guilty of or dealt with for an offence.
