Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

An Garda Síochána is the agency we initially engage with when identifying areas in which there is a need to expand but we also engage with the 105 YDPs to determine whether the expansion of their services can serve the areas where they currently do not operate. That is where these issues have been identified. We are not just working with An Garda Síochána but with the youth diversion projects who, in turn, are working on the ground with many of the organisations and agencies Deputy Michael Moynihan referred to. I will get absolute clarity with regard to further engagement because expressions of interest will be sought before anything is finalised. The list I read out is not finalised.

Expansion of the youth joint agency response to crime is also being looked at. As Deputy Stanton will know from his work on the strategy, it is very beneficial. The increased level of funding for this year is not only for the expansion of the youth diversion projects but for many other strands in this area. I will get a stronger note on that issue for the Deputy.

See this speech in context