Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said the new legislation will help prevent young people from being “enticed” into a life of crime.
Legislation is taking effect today making it an offence for an adult to either force or encourage minors to take part in criminal activity.
Those found guilty may face imprisonment of up to 12 months on summary conviction and up to five years on indictment.
Ms McEntee told Newstalk Breakfast the Criminal Justice Act 2024 will “recognise the devastating impact grooming a child” has.
“We know that there are many young vulnerable people across the country who are targeted by criminals, targeting by organised crime groups,” she said.
“They're enticed or coerced into what they believe to be a wonderful life to money, access to whatever they want.
“But we know in so many instances they are dragged into a life of crime.”
She noted many young people coerced into crime end up in prison or “worse”.
“Their life and their expectations are completely diminished when they are brought into this particular life,” she said.
McEntee banning protests outside homes
Ms McEntee has also been working with Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne on legislation to ban protests outside private individuals’ homes.
“We're living in a changed dynamic and changed world, particularly when it comes to politics,” she said.
“We have seen an increase in violence, in intimidation, an increase in people running for election being intimated as they canvas.
“We can’t tolerate it.”
She noted that existing legislation gives Gardaí to prevent violent protests or harassment, but this new legislation might also be incorporated.
“We need to look at potential implications here where you might restrict a person from protesting outside their house depending on where the person lives, making sure a person still has a right to protest,” she said.
“We need to make sure every lever is available to Garda to deal with.
“If we need to go further, I'm working with Mr Byrne.”
Ms McEntee was subject to a bomb threat in April when her family received two threatening phone calls that forced them to evacuate.
