I know of teenage kids who carry screwdrivers because in their words they can’t ‘get done’ if they’re stopped and searched by the Gardaí. There is no punishment unless used as a weapon which in all cases is too late!!

Don’t know where you heard that, but if found with such an implement without reasonable excuse for having it in their possession, they can be charged with an offence under the Theft Act or the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act…

It should be a minimum of 2 years in the clink if you are caught with any form of knife, including items like screwdrivers, if you have no valid use for having it in your possession (like a Chef or Sparkie).

Spot on Emmet, they should bring in a mandatory year in the FCA or Irish Army for all kids before they leave school might put manners on and give themna level of respect for life, people and their property. When i was growing up everyone from your parents, to the teacher, even the postman gave you a clip across the ear if your where even cheeky. I know Children must be protected from serious abuse but a few slap never done me any harm

Moving them on where, round to some other corner? Stop this criminalising youths… I hung around with friends on roads when I was younger and didn’t get into trouble but if the garda moved me on I’d probably have a problem with it cause it would be for no reason and then rebel

Very true comment Jason, no law against hanging around on your own streets and guards constantly moving on young people can definitely cause them to rebel. In my local area we used to have a Garda who would stop the patrol car, get out and have a bit of craic and banter with the local kids and young people. If any of them stepped out if line he had no hesitation in dealing with them whatever way he needed to. He got massive respect for it from the young people.

yeah seems like it didnt post might be my phone