The minimum age of criminal responsibility is also 10 in England and Wales but is 12 in Scotland, and in the Republic of Ireland. The Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (PA)A public consultation carried out by the Department of Justice in 2023 indicated broad support for that position. The change has been proposed as an amendment to the Justice Bill Northern Ireland, which is currently at committee stage in the Stormont Assembly legislative process. The Stormont Justice Committee held their third evidence session on the Justice Bill with a police delegation, led by Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, on Thursday. Chief Superintendent Gary McDonald said there is an infrastructure that supports children going through the justice system, which is separate to the adult system, adding that “like any system, there are issues within it”.

Source: The Herald January 15, 2026 19:12 UTC