Parliamentary Question: Juvenile Liaison Officers

5th May 2004

39. Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officers in the gardaí at the latest date for which figures are available; if he has plans to extend the scheme in view of the proven success of it in dealing with juvenile offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12680/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):  I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that as at 29 April 2004, there were 85 JLO gardaí and eight JLO sergeants working in the various divisions throughout the country. In addition to this, the National Juvenile Office has a staff of one superintendent, two inspectors and two sergeants.

The Children Act 2001 came into law in May, 2002 and it was at this point that the Garda diversion programme began operating on a statutory basis. Included in this Act is the introduction into the criminal justice system of the concept of restorative justice and family conferencing, whose provisions are currently being put into effect by the Garda Síochána. The diversion programme is delivered throughout the country by specially trained gardaí. Resource implications are constantly under review and applications for additional resources are made on a case by case basis when and where necessary.