Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 176: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if towns (details supplied) in County Donegal will be considered for the expansion for youth diversion scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40017/06]

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 the 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. I have also secured an increase in funding to €9.8 million for 2007.

It is my intention to ensure that 100 projects will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. In the first phase of this expansion, ten new projects were established this year and they are located in Birr, Blanchardstown, Carlow, Castlebar, Cavan, Clondalkin, Limerick, Tallaght and Tralee (two projects). I have recently announced my approval to establish a further ten projects in the second phase of the expansion programme. These projects will be located in Ballyogan, Dublin 18, Carrick-on-Suir, Castleisland, Celbridge, Kilrush, Listowel, Mallow, New Ross, Tipperary Town and Tuam.

The Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects. The locations for establishing new Garda Youth Diversion Projects are selected on the basis of factors including an increase in the level of juvenile crime in the area and the number of young people referred to the Juvenile Diversion Programme. Two proposals have been received by the Garda Commissioner to establish additional Garda Youth Diversion Projects in the area referred to by the Deputy and I am informed that these proposals are being considered in the context of the further expansion of the programme in 2007 and in light of the funding available.