Many Dublin teenagers claims to be gang members
Significant numbers of teenagers in some parts of Dublin are claiming to be members of criminal gangs, according to a new research project.
The study by Scottish researchers questioned almost 160 schoolchildren aged between 16 and 18 in Blanchardstown, Ballyfermot and Clondalkin.
One-eighth of the boys involved and one-in-12 girls claimed to be members of street gangs involved in illegal activity.
Those who said they were gang members were found to be more likely to be involved in drug-dealing, car theft and threatening behaviour.
Nearly half of them also said they had access to guns.
The findings are being discussed today at the annual conference of the Psychological Society of Ireland.
