Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of youth diversion programmes in operation to date; the number expected to be in operation by end of 2006; and the number in operation in the Limerick city and Dublin city area. [38422/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development and promote civic responsibility. The Garda Youth Diversion Projects are funded by my Department and administered through Garda Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána.

The allocation of funding for the 74 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (along with 7 Local Drug Task Force Projects) in 2006 is just over €6.6 million, which is an increase of €1.2 million on 2005.

It is my intention to ensure that 100 schemes will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. As part of this expansion, ten new projects were established this year and they are located in Blanchardstown, Birr, Carlow, Castlebar, Cavan, Clondalkin, Limerick, Tallaght and Tralee (two projects). I expect to announce a further ten projects in the near future.

There are currently four Garda Youth Diversion Projects based in Limerick city and 25 Garda Youth Diversion Projects and two Local Drugs Task Force Projects based in Dublin city.