Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Bob Collins made a major statement at the Policing Authority meeting when he said that in the three years of the Policing Authority this was the most serious issue that had arisen. That is a significant statement and it is very likely appropriate and correct. It is unacceptable that almost 8,000 reported crimes committed by 3,500 children and young people were not properly dealt with. I recognise that 75% of these cases fell into the categories of public order, theft, traffic and criminal damage. Not that these are insignificant crimes but I want to focus on the very serious crimes. Approximately 55 have been categorised as very serious crimes and three have been identified as rape, sexual assault and child neglect. These are extremely serious offences. I imagine Mr. Harris will tell us whether they include murder or manslaughter. I assume the remainder are particularly violent assaults. Perhaps Mr. Harris will clarify this. My understanding of the process is this is not with regard to cases that were not even referred to the Garda youth diversion programme. If an offence happened and it was not referred to the Garda youth diversion programme, it would not have ended up in this category. It is only those referred and then deemed not suitable.

I have put on the record my understanding that to be referred to the Garda youth diversion programme, people must agree to be cautioned and take responsibility for the offending behaviour. This understanding has not been contradicted so this is an opportunity for Mr. Harris to contradict it if it is not the case.