Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to contribute to today's discussion on the progress and the effectiveness of our youth justice strategy, specifically focusing on the implementation and impact of the youth diversion projects that form an integral part of our comprehensive youth justice strategy. Under this strategy, the youth diversion projects have experienced a new and expanded mandate throughout the country, reaffirming the importance of diversion in our youth justice system.

As Deputy Jim O'Callaghan outlined, we must recognise the crucial role of the youth diversion projects and the significant impact they have on young people at risk of crime and antisocial behaviour.

These projects are instrumental in diverting our youth away from criminal behaviour and guiding them towards better life outcomes. Youth diversion projects serve as a key system for An Garda Síochána in the implementation of the statutory Garda youth diversion programme, as outlined in the Children Act 2001. It engages with young individuals who are under the supervision of juvenile liaison officers or have been referred by other agencies such as Tusla. Having the privilege of discussing several youth diversion projects throughout County Mayo, I must commend the work of Gerard Lovett, who co-ordinates Garda youth diversion projects in County Mayo under the Irish Youth Justice Service, IYJS, which represents Youth Work Ireland in the north Connacht region, as well as the transformative impact its work has on the young people and communities it serves. The feedback is of the positive influence these projects extend not only to the individuals who walk through its doors but far beyond that; it resonates throughout the wider community. The establishment of new projects not only signifies progress in the implementation of the youth justice strategy, it also emphasises the Government's commitment to providing youth diversion project services in all areas, which is important, as these projects play a vital role in providing family support, early intervention programmes for those between eight and 11 years of age and in reaching out to those who are harder to engage with, as well as supporting schools in retaining children with challenging behaviours and providing the necessary risk thresholds that must be achieved.

It is also of paramount importance that we offer young people at risk every opportunity to correct their paths and realise their full potential. We heard previously about the importance of sporting organisations such as the GAA, soccer, rugby and youth centres and organisations that provide an important outlet for young people, alongside those at most risk, where youth diversion projects not only divert young individuals away from a life of crime but also work tirelessly to nurture their talents, interests and personal development. By investing in their growth, we can empower them to become more positive contributors to society.

To demonstrate commitment to these crucial projects, I was delighted that the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, allocated an additional €2.5 million in funding to the youth justice services in budget 2023. This increased budgetary allocation, totalling over €30 million, reflects the Government's dedication. I commend the Minister of State on investing in the impactful policy interventions in these policy documents, which cater to the needs of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society. The recent evaluation report recognised the exceptional work by youth diversion projects, social workers, Garda juvenile liaison officers and all other stakeholders involved in these initiatives. It also reaffirmed or aligned Irish youth justice policy with the objectives of youth diversion projects, while emphasising that diversion remains at the core of the youth justice system. The recent evaluation report, which I got a chance to review, highlighted several characteristics that contribute to the success of these projects. They included integration within the community, responsiveness to local needs, delivery by experienced and well-educated personnel and the provision of an accessible service that young people can actively engage in. The report also offered valuable recommendations for enhancing governance and access to administrative data, as well as areas around budgetary opportunities and interventions regarding substance misuse and crime. We must seize the opportunity to further develop the structures and processes that underpin youth diversion projects. I look forward to the Minster of State's advancement on recommendations presented in that report and building on the positive work already undertaken.

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