27 April 2006

Justice

Concerns of Ombudsman for Children regarding Criminal Justice Bill 2004

Ciarán Cuffe TD asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns voiced by the Ombudsman for Children in relation to certain provisions in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, if he has initiated a dialogue with the Ombudsman for Children in relation to these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):  In December 2005, as part of a wider package of youth justice reforms, Government approved the drafting of official amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which will amend the Children Act 2001.  The amendments were circulated to the Ombudsman for Children on 20 December last.  The Ombudsman submitted detailed advice concerning the proposed changes to the Children Act to my colleague, Minister for Children, Mr Brian Lenihan TD on 5 April 2006 which he has brought to my attention. 

The Minister for Children and I are carefully considering the Ombudsman's advice and I will bring forward further amendments to take account of her advice where they are deemed to be necessary.