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Parliamentary Question: Juvenile Offenders

20th March 2007

267. Mr. Curran sked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of young people taking part in the Garda youth diversion project in Clondalkin and Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10485/07]

268. Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of young people from Clondalkin and Lucan referred to the juvenile diversion programme for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10486/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, and promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations.

There are currently 84 Garda Youth Diversion Projects funded and administered through the Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of funding for these Projects (along with 7 Local Drug Task Force Projects) in 2007 is just over €9.8 million, which is an increase of 48% on 2006. It is my intention to ensure that 100 projects will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. The projects are particularly targeted at 10-18 year old "at risk" youths in communities where a specific need has been identified.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there is a total of five Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating in the areas of Clondalkin/Lucan/Ballyfermot. There are currently 178 young people taking part in these projects. In addition to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects, the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme provides an opportunity to divert juvenile offenders from criminal activity. It operates on a nationwide basis under the supervision and direction of the Garda National Juvenile Office, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. The Programme provides that, in certain circumstances, a young person under 18 years of age, who freely accepts responsibility for a criminal incident, may be cautioned as an alternative to prosecution.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the operation of the Programme that the number of young people from the Clondalkin and Lucan areas referred to the juvenile diversion programme for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 are as follows:

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