An organisation representing more than 70 children's groups has said a law designed to fine the parents of so-called out-of-control children will have no meaningful impact on the lives of young offenders.
The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Mr Willie O'Dea, discussed the measure at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis at the weekend.
Mr O'Dea urged judges to use the powers of the Children Act to hold parents to account for the actions of young offenders.
The act was amended last year by the then Minister for Justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, to allow courts to fine parents up to €3,000 for failing to take responsibility for their children's actions.
Mr O'Dea said at the weekend the legislation was introduced "because there are gangs of out-of-control juniors roaming the streets".
He said if judges failed to use the law, the Government will draft new legislation to ensure parents cannot shirk their responsibilities.
However, Mr Ray Dooley, chief executive of the Children's Rights Alliance, said it was "very unrealistic to think the provision will have any meaningful impact on young offenders".
"If anything, it could even backfire and act as an incentive for parents to further distance themselves from the lives of their children to avoid any financial implications," he added.
Mr Dooley said it was likely there would be inconsistencies in the application of the law and it would raise questions about whether State agencies should face fines for children in their care who come before the courts.
"There's much in the Children Act which, if implemented, will make a difference," he said. Mr Dooley said parts of the act showed an understanding of the needs of children as a whole, in terms of care, counselling and other assistance.