Children Act, 2001

Restrictions on reports of proceedings in which children are concerned.

93.—(1) In relation to any proceedings before the Court against a child or in relation to a child under Part 9

(a) no report shall be published or included in a broadcast which reveals the name, address or school of any child concerned in the proceedings or includes any particulars likely to lead to the identification of any child concerned in the proceedings, and

(b) no picture shall be published or included in a broadcast as being or including a picture of any child concerned in the proceedings or which is likely to lead to his or her identification.

(2) The Court may dispense to any specified extent with the requirements of this section in relation to a child if it is satisfied—

(a) that it is appropriate to do so for the purpose of avoiding injustice to the child, or

(b) that, as respects a child to whom this section applies and who is unlawfully at large, it is necessary to do so for the purpose of apprehending the child.

(3) Where the Court dispenses with the requirements of this section, it shall explain in open court the reasons for its decision.

(4) Subsections (3) to (6) of section 51 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to matter published or broadcast in contravention of subsection (1).

(5) This section shall apply in relation to proceedings on appeal from the Court, including proceedings by way of case stated.

(6) This section shall not affect the provisions of any enactment concerning the anonymity of an accused or the law relating to contempt of court.