I have been very clear about my commitment to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in Northern Ireland in order to bring us closer to meeting international standards, including those set by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). At 10 years of age, our current MACR is the lowest in Europe. In raising it, we are saying not that children's offending behaviour should be ignored but that children should not face the full force of the justice system.

In order to seek the views of the public on this important issue, I agreed to a consultation, which was carried out in 2022. It showed overwhelming support for an increase in the MACR, with over 83% of respondents agreeing that the age should be increased beyond 10 years. The majority supported an increase to 14 years.

On the basis of the outcome of the consultation, my officials have developed an options paper. I intend to share it with my Executive colleagues to seek their views on my proposals. As any increase in the minimum age of criminal responsibility requires legislative change, it will not be possible for me to progress the matter in the absence of Executive approval.