Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 155: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding has been provided to community based initiatives to tackle joy-riding; if initiatives which involve engaging young people at risk in positive programmes with motor cars have proved successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3633/06]

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

The problem of joyriding is a complex one which, while requiring significant inputs from the criminal justice system, can only be tackled to lasting effect through a multifaceted and multi-agency response involving the community and relevant statutory bodies.

I have been informed that the Garda Síochána operates special foot and mobile patrols which target specific areas in response to identified local requirements. In co-operation with local authorities, good progress has been made in recent years in relation to estate management which is actively reducing the opportunities for so called joyriding. For example, physical changes, such as barriers and speed ramps, are being used to reduce access to areas frequented by youths engaged in these activities. Furthermore, gardaí are constantly in liaison with community groups, and a number of projects are operating which have proved valuable in dealing with offences.

My Department provides funding for 64 Garda youth diversion projects, GYDPs, which are in operation nationwide. GYDPs primarily target at-risk youths who have come to the notice of the gardaí for crime and antisocial behaviours including joyriding. Project participants are actively encouraged to develop and become positive contributors to society. Various methodologies are utilised to progress issues which challenge behaviours. One such initiative was organised by the Boyne GYDP in Drogheda and involved the participants in the production, direction and editing of a video entitled "Clutch It" which focused on joyriding as an antisocial behaviour which affected their environment. The production is currently being considered by other projects as a method of tackling joyriding issues.

This year, a budget of €6.6 million has been secured for the youth diversion programme, which represents an increase of €1.2 million on 2005. I am committed to the continuing development and, as resources permit, the expansion of GYDPs and I intend to ensure that 100 schemes will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. I have therefore asked the Garda Commissioner to bring forward proposals for further community based initiatives in this area in light of the additional funding.

My Department has also provided funding to the Priorswood taskforce on joyriding to tackle the causes of so-called joyriding in the areas of Darndale, Moatview and Belcamp. This strategy involves developing joint initiatives with local agencies and the community in order to prevent young people from joyriding. The taskforce engages with joyriders, including those in custody, to develop alternatives in education, training and leisure. Attention is also given to developing appropriate models of family support. The taskforce targets the physical improvement of the locality in order to discourage joyriding with the result that Dublin City Council have undertaken practical building works to assist in prevention. The taskforce gave a presentation to GYDP co-ordinators in Cork in May 2005, which raised the awareness of the issues around joyriding behaviour.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department, through the probation and welfare service, provides funding to a community based initiative, the Cork auto-crime diversion project, which specifically tackles joyriding. The Cork auto-crime diversion project was established in 1995 as an initiative to combat the high level of auto-crime in the greater Cork area. This programme caters for 15-19 years old males and focuses, inter alia, on life skills, motor skills and personal development with a view to participants obtaining work experience and full-time employment. I have approved a grant of €200,000 for Cork auto-crime diversion project for 2006.

Management of the Probation and Welfare Service have advised that the initiative in Cork has proved successful in addressing the criminal attitudes and antisocial behaviour of young male offenders in the Cork area. Twenty-three young male clients of the probation and welfare service engaged with Cork auto-crime diversion project programmes during 2005. The programme has also achieved success in placing many of its participants on FÁS courses, work experience and permanent employment.

I am confident that the implementation of the various anti-joyriding strategies and initiatives which I have outlined will significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of this dangerous and illegal practice in communities.