McDowell defends decision on child prosecutions

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell defended his decision to prosecute 10-year-olds for serious crime, despite United Nations concern over the move.

The Tánaiste said public opinion would not tolerate a situation where a child was not prosecuted for murder or rape.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, reviewing Ireland’s progress in implementing the Child Rights Convention in Geneva this week, was critical of the legislation.