Behaviour is responsibility of parents

There is an order in the Children’s Act 2001, which allows District and Circuit Court judges to hold parents liable for any damage done by their underage children.

Even though the legislation was enacted, the specific order was not implemented, with the result that many communities have been plagued by individuals, or gangs of youngsters acting out of control.

The Garda Síochána had little power to act, as there was no means of holding anybody responsible for the damage being done by underage people. When parents were not being required to act responsibly, it was naive to expect their children to do so.