Garda’s ‘hands tied’ as children under 12 ‘run riot’

A senior garda said his “hands are tied” in relation to dealing with children younger than 12 “running riot” in a private housing estate in Ennis.

At the final Ennis Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting, Supt Derek Smart explained his position after hearing residents’ concerns over anti-social behaviour in the estate by children aged under 12.

At the public meeting, Supt Smart said the criminal age of intent in Ireland is 12 and over, and if he comes across issues relating to children aged below 12, he refers the matter to the Health Service Executive (HSE).