Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 461: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the funding made available to Garda youth diversion projects will be substantially increased as the running costs of €20 per day are grossly inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4297/06]

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

Garda youth diversion projects which are overseen by my Department in conjunction with the Garda Síochána are a crime prevention measure which aim, through both intervention and prevention, to divert young people from becoming involved in criminal activity. The number of projects has grown from 12 in 1997 to 64 at present through funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

A budget of €6.6 million has been provided for the Garda youth diversion projects and local drugs task force projects in 2006. This represents an increase of €1.2 million in the budget for youth diversion projects compared with 2005. I am committed to the continuing development and the expansion of Garda youth diversion projects.

It is my intention 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. The Garda authorities have been notified by my Department of the amount of funding available to each individual project for 2006. If a project considers that it requires additional funding, it may make a submission through the community relations division of the Garda Síochána for consideration by my Department.