Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 22: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda youth diversion projects here; the resources allocated to same; if he has plans to extend them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/07]

Martin Brady (Dublin North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 33: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the resources allocated to Garda youth diversion projects here; the number of such projects; the impact they have had; his plans to extend them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6794/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 33 together.

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.

I am committed to the continuing development and, as resources permit, the expansion of Garda Youth Diversion Projects. 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 announcement of 10 new projects in January 2007, bringing the total number of projects currently established to 84. Further proposals have been received by the Garda Commissioner and will be considered shortly in the context of the further expansion of the programme in 2007.

The total amount of funding for the Garda Youth Diversion Projects is €9.8 million for 2007. This represents an increase of 48% over funding allocated to the projects in 2006. This funding is part of an overall funding of €120m which has been secured under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for the development and expansion of the Diversion Programme. This funding will allow for the expansion of the number of projects to 130 during the lifetime of the Plan. Alongside the expansion process, a system of evaluation will be developed and implemented to measure the effectiveness of the programme. I am confident that the expanded programme will prove to be an effective intervention for children at risk of offending.