In letters sent to the Department of Justice and the prison authorities, the 16-year-old boy's solicitor, on behalf of the youth's mother, demands that the state apologise.

Fines of up to 2,500 can be imposed for selling tobacco to anyone under 18. The letter demands that the state admit wrongdoing in the case and says a "suitable offer of amends" is expected.

The letter was sent by Limerick solicitor John Devane, who claims he has receipts for the purchase of the tobacco products as proof that his client's teenage son was sold the goods in the prison shop.

"It is appalling that every shopkeeper, pub owner and hotelier in this country has to comply with the laws of the state but yet the state totally disregards them, " the letter says. It also insists that the state make amends in respect of the detention of the teenage boy in an "adult prisoner environment", which is not permissible under European law.

Neither the department nor the prison authorities have responded yet.