Ó Ríordáin supports calls for introduction of ‘Fagin’s Law’
Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has welcomed the call in the tenth report by Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, for the introduction of a so-called ‘Fagin’s Law’.
Fagin’s Law refers to a special offence to prosecute adults who groom children to carry out crimes including theft, prostitution, assault and murder. This is particularly significant in the area of drug crime.
Senator Ó Ríordáin said:
“As Minister for Drugs I met with countless community groups who spoke in stark terms about how drug gangs deliberately and intentionally target children to help transport and distribute illegal opioids in their own communities.
“They are abusing children, using them as carriers and sucking them into an industry which inevitably will lead them to a life of crime, incarceration or an early grave.’
“It is essential that the Minister for Justice act swiftly on the recommendations of Dr Shannon, and he will receive absolute support from the Labour Party in this regard.’