New laws have been proposed, aimed at protecting young people from becoming involved in the drug trade.
According to the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force the average age of a drug runner under 18 is 13 while the youngest is just 8. While child dealers are on average aged 14 but can be as young as 10.
Fianna Fail wants new laws introduced to stop criminals from using young people to hold or deal.
As part of the legislation it would become a criminal offence to buy drugs from someone under 18 or to cause a child to be in the possession of illegal substances for the intent of sale and supply according to the herald.
The Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis heard in March that children in Finglas were paid fast food takeaways to transport drugs. Minors are often used by gangs because there are fewer criminal consequences if they're caught.
It's hoped the bill can be introduced in the Dáil in the coming weeks.
