Following a complaint by a UK-based charity, the EU has ruled that Ireland should outlaw all corporal punishment, including the slapping of children in the family home. Currently there is a defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ in our law, despite the fact that the act of using force against a child was outlawed over a decade ago.
The EU’s ruling came with a strong message, with the Council of Europe stating that the slapping of children amounts to torture. While initial reports suggested that a potential ban would be introduced in foster and care home scenarios, the watchdog has now called for a blanket ban on slapping.
Following yesterday’s ruling that our corporal punishment laws are in breach of the European Social Charter, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly announced that he would oversee new provisions which will cancel out the defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’.
We will keep you informed of any updates on the ruling or subsequent legislation.
