The law is set to come down harder on gangs who are grooming children to commit crimes.

Legislation is taking effect today making it an offence for an adult to either force or encourage kids 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.

A child with a gun. Image: Sergiy Akhundov / Alamy Stock Photo

Junior Minister for Youth Justice James Browne said the law is being strengthened.

“At the moment an adult can be charged with any offence to get a child to commit,” he told Newstalk.

“But now we’re going to make it a standalone offence for an adult to groom that child into committing criminal offences.

“We know it happens quite often around the country where criminal gangs, even family members, convince young children to get involved in criminal activity.

“We’re marking it out now as a very serious standalone offence.”

Grooming deterrent

Minister Browne hopes the new law will act as a deterrent to gangs.

“The way it will protect children is those who are getting children to commit crimes will be arrested, convicted and they will spend a significant amount of time in prison," he said.

“It will also hopefully act as a deterrent to people.

“We’re trying to send a clear message that if you carry out these types of acts, the grooming of children, that it’s a very serious offence and we will be taking it seriously.”

Main image: The Criminal Courts of Justice, building in Parkgate Street, Dublin. Image: noel bennett / Alamy Stock Photo