Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I highlight the importance of engaging in international best practice and informing ourselves as to occurrences or practice in other jurisdictions. I referred to specific research in that regard. I acknowledge the importance of the Garda youth diversion projects which have been operating for many years. They play a very important role in assisting vulnerable children to make more pro-social life choices. These projects, administered by my Department, have been progressively developed and expanded through the years. This year, there are more than 100 such projects nationwide. They are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives and work closely with An Garda Síochána and other stakeholders. They primarily seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. The aim of the projects is to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions.

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