Inquiry group into child offenders is set up

Children from deprived areas are much more likely than others to end up in court, according to the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Mr Frank Fahey.

Announcing the establishment of an expert inquiry group into the increasing numbers coming before the Children's Court, Mr Fahey said one might deduce from available data the court was there solely for deprived youngsters.

Too many children were falling through the system and coming before the courts when a multi-agency approach should prevent this. "It is also evident that there is inequality in the system. A child from a deprived area will reach court much more quickly than a child in similar circumstances from other areas."

The group, which is to report in 20 weeks, is chaired by the retired deputy Garda Commissioner, Mr Tommy O'Reilly. The other members are Judge Michael Connellan; Supt P.J. McGowan; Mr David O'Donovan, probation and welfare service; Dr Paul O'Mahony, criminologist and psychologist; Mr Tony Keating, Finglas Children's Centre; Dr Gerard Byrne, consultant psychiatrist; Ms Mary Ellen Ring, barrister; Mr Bob Templeton, Eastern Health Board; Mr Paul Murray, principal officer, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Mr John Kelly, assistant principal officer, Department of Education and Science; Mr Roger Killeen, inspector, Department of Education and Science.