Govt considering raising age of criminal responsibility

The Government is reportedly considering raising the age of criminal responsibility in Ireland from seven to 10 years.

Reports this morning said the move was being considered as part of reforms of the juvenile justice system due to be announced later this year.

The reports said Ireland's age of criminal responsibility was currently the lowest in Europe and had been criticised by children's rights groups and the United Nations.

Raising the age would place children who are currently dealt with by the criminal justice system in the hands of social services.

Meanwhile, this morning's reports said the Government was also considering closing juvenile detention centres on the grounds of adult prisons and replacing them with correction schools.

The reforms are being considered ahead of an appearance by Irish officials before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in the coming months.