Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment and I am aware of his interest in this subject. I apologise for the absence of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who regrets that he is unable to be here due to prior commitments.

Garda youth diversion projects are community based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve prospects of employability. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda-community relations.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is committed to their continuing development and, as resources permit, their expansion. The projects are funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and administered by the community relations section of the Garda Síochána. The first projects, previously known as Garda special projects, were established in 1991 and by October 2001, the number of projects had reached its existing level of 64. Many of the projects established in recent years were facilitated by the allocation of funding under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006.