Unveiling the Greentown Programme: Ireland’s Response to Gang Recruitment of Youth

You may not have noticed, but a significant initiative known as the Greentown Programme was mentioned in the Programme for Government, with the goal of expanding it nationwide. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Greentown Programme is not an environmental initiative. Instead, it focuses on breaking the link between children and gangs that seek to recruit them, steering young people away from a life of crime.

The Origin of the Greentown Programme

To understand the Greentown Programme, we need to look to Sweden, where gangs have been targeting young people for various criminal activities. In Stockholm, police found that children as young as 12 were part of criminal networks, often coerced by money or threats.

According to Stockholm police, half of those arrested during a recent crime wave were under the age of 18. In one criminal network, children as young as 12 were ordered to carry weapons instead of more senior gang members. This issue has also spread to nearby Denmark, with Danish police investigating around 25 cases involving Swedish teenagers recruited for organized crime.

“Child soldiers are being recruited by gangs to attack each other,” Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said.

The Impact of Reduced刑事责任 Age in Sweden

Sweden has responded to this by considering imposing age limits on social media to prevent online recruitment, increasing sentences for gun offences, and even considering lowering the age at which individuals can be held responsible for their actions. In 2024, 93 children under the age of 15 in Sweden were suspected of involvement in planning murders, tripling from the previous year.

Why Does This Matter in Ireland?

The issue has also spread to Ireland, prompting the establishment of the Greentown Programme in 2020 by the Department of Justice. The programme specifically aims to improve outcomes for children at risk of or already involved in criminal networks. It has been operating at two trial sites since 2021 with an annual budget of around €500,000 each.

The programme has two main objectives: reducing the influence of criminal networks on children and improving the likelihood of their extrication and positive reintegration into society. Designed for the Irish context with international expert assistance, the Greentown Programme provides an intensive support system for young people and their families.

Intervention Strategies and Support Systems

The age of criminal responsibility in Ireland is 12, with less severe sentencing for individuals under 18. If a suspect is between 12 and 14, the Director of Public Prosecutions decides whether to press charges, and the case is brought before a juvenile court. In cases of serious offences, the initial case is heard in a juvenile court, but the judge may refer it to the Circuit Court for stronger sentencing.

The Greentown Programme offers a tailored approach, considering the vulnerability of young suspects and the unique circumstances surrounding their involvement. A specialist interviewer must be present, and the interview process takes longer to accommodate juvenile suspects. A parent or representative—such as a social worker or peace commissioner—must also be present.

The Early Success of the Greentown Programme

Over the past two years, the Greentown Programme has shown notable improvements in reducing the influence of criminal networks in trial site communities. The Department of Justice reports children and families are better equipped to resist the allure of criminal network membership and make positive choices.

Support comes from the Garda and expert youth justice services, specializing in family support and engagement with hard-to-reach young people. The goal is to prevent the scale of criminal exploitation seen in Sweden and Denmark from taking hold in Ireland.

Conclusion

The Greentown Programme represents a critical step in addressing the issue of gang recruitment of young people in Ireland. By drawing on successful strategies from countries like Sweden and Denmark, it aims to equip children and families with the tools they need to resist the powerful attraction of criminal networks.

Research has shown that gangs have been recruiting young people nationwide for some time, and the Greentown Programme seeks to combat this issue proactively.