Child protection watchdog calls for ‘Fagin’s law’ in Ireland

Dr Geoffrey Shannon, special rapporteur on child protection, has proposed the creation of a new offence of leading children to commit crime.

The introduction of a so-called “Fagin’s law” in Ireland is one of 40 recommendations set out in his 10th report to the Oireachtas.

In the report, Dr Shannon proposes that jail sentences of up to ten years could be handed down to adults who groom children to carry out criminal acts, such as theft, assault and murder.

He said Ireland’s existing laws on incitement are too vague, and similar moves are under consideration in parts of Australia.

Another key recommendation in the report is that the implications of Brexit on Irish family and child law be examined in detail.