The All Party Group on Access to Justice has hosted discussions at Parliament Buildings examining the actions needed to enhance Access to Justice for children and young people in Northern Ireland’s criminal justice system.
The discussion, chaired by the All Party Group Chair Stewart Dickson MLA, brought together MLAs, leading experts and sector stakeholders to examine areas including the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR); the Under 13 Voluntary Protocol; the Justice Bill - currently being scrutinised at its Committee Stage, and the Youth Justice System.
The event featured expert contributions from Catherine Kierans, Assistant Director at PPS Serious Crime Unit; Eoghan McKenna, Chair of the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society of Northern Ireland; and Rachel Woods, Interim Head of Policy at the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children & Young People (NICCY).
Stewart Dickson MLA, Chair of the All Party Group on Access to Justice, commented:
"Today’s discussions mark both a timely and crucial debate for policymakers. Ensuring that our children and young people have the upmost and unfettered access to justice is a vital and fundamental right that should be guaranteed for those within our criminal justice system.
“The All Party Group is proud to be leading these discussions and creating a space where we can endeavour to collectively advance the rights of our children and young people.”
In a joint statement, representatives from the APG Secretariat, Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland, said:
"The legal profession remains steadfast in its commitment to representing and advocating for our children and young people in the criminal justice system.
“The discussions that took place today on enhancing access to justice for this section of our society are welcome, and we are privileged to act as Secretariat in bringing our elected representatives and sector stakeholders together to improve and advance our justice system.”
Figures from the Department of Justice reveal that in 2023-24, there were 3,356 cases relating to young people coming into formal contact with the criminal justice system, highlighting the importance and timeliness of the All Party Group’s discussions.
