According to the Children Act 2001, what is the minimum age of criminal responsibility in cases of murder and manslaughter?

The minimum age of criminal responsibility according to the Children Act 2001 is indeed 10 years. This means that a child under the age of 10 cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions, including serious offenses such as murder and manslaughter.

The rationale behind this legal standard is rooted in the understanding that children under the age of 10 may not possess the necessary cognitive and moral development to be held accountable for their actions in the same way adults are. This aligns with the broader principles of juvenile justice, which emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, especially for younger offenders.

In contrast, the other age options listed do not reflect the established legal framework. For instance, while some jurisdictions may set different ages for various types of offenses, the specific age of 10 in the context of the Children Act 2001 provides a clear threshold for criminal responsibility in Ireland.