<P> The data held by the Gardaí is not openly available to the public . However, section 4 of the Data Protection Act allows individuals to make a formal request in writing to the Garda Criminal Records Office to access personal data held about them . In making this formal request, individuals must provide sufficient information to establish their identity and ensure that the Gardaí is both able to locate their file and make certain that the personal data is being given to the right person . Sufficient information would include: full name, correct date of birth, any other names used, current address and previous addresses in Ireland, a copy of your passport, driving licence or birth certificate and a fee of € 6.35 . </P> <P> Additionally, a third party may also be able to access your personal data on your behalf . However, this requires that the third party satisfy the Gardaí of their identity and that the individual provides written authorization to allow the third party to make this request . </P> <P> In Ireland, criminal convictions remain on the criminal record system for life if the offence was committed after the individual turned 18, as there are currently no legislative provisions which provide for the expungement of criminal convictions . Ireland remains the only country in the EU and one of the only countries in the Council of Europe area to not have such legislation . </P> <P> However, under Section 258 of the Children Act 2001, offences committed by those under eighteen years of age can be expunged from the record once certain conditions are met: where a person has been found guilty of an offence and: </P>

Can a 16 year old have a criminal record