Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria for establishment of a Garda youth diversion project in a community; the number of projects operating nationally and those projects in County Tipperary; his views on expanding the number of projects in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36934/06]

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 projects are funded by my Department and are administered by the Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána.

I secured additional funding of €1.2 million for the projects in 2006, bringing the total amount of funding for the projects to €6.6 million for the year. It is my intention to expand the scheme to 100 projects nationwide before the end of 2007. The first phase of this expansion programme is currently being implemented with the establishment of 10 new projects recently, bringing the total number of projects currently established to 74. I hope to be soon in a position to announce the establishment of a further 10 projects.

The Garda Commissioner considers applications in accordance with the Garda Youth Diversion Project Guidelines drawn up in 2003 and brings forward proposals for the establishment of projects based on local need. Factors which are taken into consideration include increases in juvenile crime and the number of cases dealt with by the Juvenile Diversion Programme.

There is currently one Garda Youth Diversion Project in Tipperary, the CYD Project which is located in Clonmel. This project has been allocated €81,300 in funding for 2006.