Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services. Our commitment is clearly outlined by our youth justice strategy. A top priority of the strategy is the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by youth diversion projects. These projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime or antisocial behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk. They are funded by our Department under the youth justice strategy and run by community-based organisations. On average, the projects engage with about 4,000 young people across the State in any one year.

Funding for youth diversion projects and other youth justice measures has increased substantially in recent years, doubling from €18 million in 2020 to a total allocation of just over €36 million in budget 2025.

This is supporting an increase in the availability of youth diversion project services in the evenings and at the weekends when many young people need these services. It will facilitate an increase in supports for families, interventions for disadvantaged young people and early interventions for eight- to 11-year-olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.

There are 93 YDPs available throughout the State and a further two have been established and are due to be up and running in north Tipperary and east Clare later this year.

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