1. Ireland - Child 'soldiers' drawn from broken families

Source: Ireland - Independent.ie - National News, Frontpage - By Shane Phelan - Monday June 29 2009

YOU don't have to look far for evidence that children are increasingly being recruited as "baby foot soldiers" for organised crime outfits.

The Children's Court in Dublin has dealt with dozens of cases, in recent years, where it emerged children acted unlawfully under the influence of adult criminals.

Last year, 25 cases involving a combined total of €4m in illegal drugs came before the court.

The defendants were aged between 13 and 17. Many said they were coerced into carrying or hiding drugs.

While there were far fewer instances of children coming before the courts in Limerick, gardai there also face a growing phenomenon of young people being drawn into criminal gangs.

Last year, the city's leading garda, Chief Superintendent Willie Keane, spoke passionately about the massive challenge facing the authorities if this cycle is to be broken.

Mr Keane, who has since been promoted to Assistant Garda Commissioner, said the gangs were preying on children from dysfunctional families.

"There are no role models in these families. There is no sense of responsibility instilled in these young people. And there are no standards either," he said.

"The children see the gangs, maybe, as family and get drawn and sucked into the gangs. Then, they are used to carry out the gang's activities."

- Shane Phelan