Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 371: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Stay project Garda diversion scheme will be funded at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if the importance of this project will be appreciated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36793/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are currently 64 Garda youth diversion projects, three of which, KEY, JAY and YEW, operate in the Tallaght area. In addition, one sergeant and four garda level juvenile liaison officers operate from Tallaght Garda station.

I am committed to the continuing development and, as resources permit, the expansion of Garda youth diversion projects and the possibility of funding further projects in light of budgetary conditions remains. A budget of €5.471 million was provided for the Garda youth diversion projects and local drugs task force projects in 2005 and I have secured an additional €1.2 million for youth diversion in 2006, bringing the total budgetary allocation to €6.6 million for that year.

It is my intention to support the expansion of Garda youth diversion projects over the next two years and to ensure that 100 schemes will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to bring forward proposals for further community based initiatives in this area in light of the additional funding. In this context, the application for the project referred to by the Deputy will be assessed.