Smacking laws in Ireland break EU legislation

A ruling was issued this morning by the Council of Europe.

Ireland’s laws on smacking children have been found to be in breach of European legislation. 

In a ruling issued this morning, the Council of Europe says corporal punishment of children is not prohibited in a sufficiently clear, binding and precise manner under Irish legislation or case-law.

As it stands, Corporal punishment is outlawed in our schools, but parents can defend smacking their children in court.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says the Government will comply with the ruling - but she does not believe we’re behind the rest of Europe in protecting children. 

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