Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know from previous experience as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs that Garda youth diversion projects are a valuable input. There has been a good decrease in the numbers of young people, for example, who are in detention or coming into contact with the Prison Service. Youth diversion programmes are working well. A value for money study was conducted on them some time ago. I am pleased money has become available from the Dormant Accounts Fund. The money is intended to make sure the projects under way continue and are developed and to allow for the development of between ten and 12 new youth diversion projects around the country. The Department is currently assessing where those projects should be. That will be based on good research conducted by staff working in this area. They have looked at areas with a high offending rate and large youth populations and at where it is felt putting in a project will have most benefit for the community and young people. That analysis is under way and I hope to make an announcement in the next few weeks. It will mean that we will have at least an additional ten to 12 projects.