12/12/2019

Fianna Fáil Expressed 'Alarm And Anger' Over Report On Gang Activity

Fianna Fáil have expressed their "alarm and anger" at a new report into drug dealing and organised crime in Dublin's south inner city

The report, entitled 'Building Community Resilience' has found that children as young as 12 are being used by gangs in the south inner city. The research was carried out by Dr Johnny Connolly from the University of Limerick Centre of Crime, Justice and Victim Studies.

Raising concerns over the findings of the report, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, said: "This report has found that children as young as 12 years of age are being groomed into gangs in the south inner city. It makes for disturbing reading. Our children and our communities are being failed.

"Fianna Fáil has prepared draft legislation to help put an end to the abuse of children in the distribution of drugs. If passed the bill would make it an aggravated offence to use children in the supply or purchase of illegal drugs and it would be an important weapon in the battle against these gangs.

"We are calling on all parties in Dáil Éireann to put politics to one side, to wake up to the abuse of children that is ongoing by these gangs and to get behind this Bill," concluded Deputy O'Callaghan.

(MH/JG)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 February 2014
Fianna Fáil Call For Urgent Action On Cyber-Bullying
The government urgently needs to address cyber-bullying in light of "shocking new statistics", Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has said.
26 May 2010
Senator Kieran Phelan Dies
Fianna Fáil Senator Kieran Phelan has died today, aged 60. The Seanad has today been suspended following the Senator's death while Taoiseach Brian Cowen paid tribute to Mr Phelan who was first elected to the Seanad for the Laois-Offaly constituency in 2002.
30 January 2012
Barriers To Adoption A Missed Opportunity
Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Children has welcomed indications from the Government that they are finally taking steps to improve the adoption rights of children born to married parents.
20 November 2018
Fianna Fáil Seek Urgent Meeting With Minister For Children
Fianna Fáil have written to the Minister for Children and Young People Katherine Zappone calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the actions which need to be taken to address the issues of child homelessness and Direct Provision.
18 January 2016
Fianna Fáil Claim UN Highlights Govt Failure On Children's Rights
Fianna Fáil has claimed that the United Nations has highlighted the Government's failings on children's rights. The party's Spokesperson for Children, Robert Troy, made the claim following Minister James Reilly's appearance before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.