This factsheet is an extract from the publication Know Your Rights: The Rights of Children and Young People published by the Children’s Rights Alliance. It is reproduced here with their kind permission. Know Your Rights is a public information project designed to inform everyone, in plain language, of the rights and entitlements children have in Ireland and where to go when they are not respected.
When can you be searched by a Garda without a warrant?
You can only be search by a Guard without a warrant if they have a good reason to think you have committed an offence. Read our article to learn more about your rights and the Gardaí.
The Gardaí can search your car if they have a good reason to think that:
The Gardaí have the right to search your car if they think you are in possession of illegal drugs. Read our article to learn more about the circumstances in which you can be searched by the Gardaí.
When can a Garda enter my home without my consent?
There are several circumstances in which the Gardaí are allowed to enter your home without your consent. Read our article to learn more about your rights and the Gardaí.
When are security guards allowed to search you?
The only people who can search you without your permission are the Gardaí and that is in very specific circumstance. Read our article to learn more about if you are suspected of a crime.
Can the Gardaí arrest me if I am under 18?
The Gardaí have the same powers whether they are dealing with a child, a young person or an adult. Find out more about your rights and the Gardaí.
When can the Gardaí question me on my own if I am under 18?
There are several circumstances in which the Gardaí can question you by yourself when you are under the age of 18. Find out more about your rights when being questioned by the Gardaí.
When can the Gardaí refuse to let my parent or guardian sit in if I am being questioned when under 18?
If the Gardaí believe that your parent or guardian could have been involved in the suspected offence or if they believe that their presence might cause an obstruction of justice, they can be refused entry. Find out more about your rights when being questioned by the Gardaí.
If I am arrested under the age of 18 will I be held with adults?
You cannot be detained with adults unless there is no other secure accommodation available. Read our article to find out more about what happens if you are arrested by the Gardaí.
