Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It is ironic that it goes back to 1985. What has changed is the overall number of gardaí, which has increased very rapidly. In my opening comments I made reference to the fact that community gardaí also play a significant role in this area and since 2007 their number has increased by 68%. They supplement and support the work of juvenile liaison officers. While we concentrate on the figures and the numbers, it is the outcome that is the crucial reference point. The number of children detained because of juvenile offending has decreased significantly over the past five years. It is the widespread view of commentators in this area that this is attributable to the success of the Garda diversion programme and the various Garda youth diversion projects throughout the country. It is a core principle of the Children Act that detention should be used as a last resort.

We must look at all of the resources available to divert young people from crime. That includes the youth work sector, juvenile liaison officers, community gardaí and the probation service, which deals with step down. The juvenile courts have been expanded significantly and judges with specific knowledge and experience in this area have a much closer case management role. This has also helped to reduce the numbers in detention and the JLOs are able to do a more effective job. It is worth noting that while there might have been 79 JLOs in 1985, there will be 123 when the current round is completed in 2010.

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