Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 716: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will approve a project (details supplied) in Dublin 24; his views on the need for this important Garda diversion project; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a management committee is in place which includes representatives of the local community and the Garda Síochána who are strong supporters of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1073/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Garda youth diversion projects are a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seek to divert young persons from becoming involved — or further involved — in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda-community relations. The number of projects has grown from 12 in 1997 to 64 at present, a process made possible, in part, by funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The locations of new projects are decided upon by the Garda authorities in conjunction with my Department. There are currently three Garda youth diversion projects, KEY, JAY and YEW, operating in the Tallaght area, which collectively cater for 134 participants and which received funding of €333,074 in 2004. In addition, there is one sergeant and four garda juvenile liaison officers operating from Tallaght Garda station.

I am committed to the continuing development and, as resources permit, the expansion of Garda youth diversion projects. Proposals made by the Garda Síochána to my Department on establishing further projects are examined within the context of available resources. All applications relating to the establishment of further projects should follow the establishment process as set out in the Garda youth diversion project guidelines which I launched in 2003. The 11 establishment guidelines give a clear structure to the application process from the initial expression of interest to the final submission of the proposal and cover issues such as the pre-establishment phase, consultation, memorandum of understanding, legal structure, co-ordinator's job description and catchment area.

A budget of €5.471 million has been provided for the Garda youth diversion projects and local drugs task force projects in 2005. It is expected that this amount will be required to meet the funding needs of the projects currently in operation. It is not envisaged that additional youth diversion projects will be established in the short term. However, the possibility of funding further projects in light of prevailing budgetary conditions remains, and in this context the application for the project referred to by the Deputy will be kept under review.