Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter for the Adjournment debate.

As the Minister of State may have seen in a recent "Prime Time" programme, the problem of juvenile or youth crime is particularly serious in many towns and cities. One of the most impressive tools the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has at its disposal is an annual fund which it can use to finance specific youth diversionary programmes in a number of urban areas. I understand that 64 programmes have been funded by the Department, representing the carrot, rather than the stick, approach.

As the Minister of State may know from his brief from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, one of the more recent applications comes from the STAY project in St. Aengus' parish in Tallaght. A comprehensive application has been made to the Department seeking funding as another programme within the youth diversionary programme. Like other Senators, I am here to plead and bleat about issues to do with my own constituency and to see if the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will lend his ear and support to the programme.