Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 127: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support an application for a Garda Youth Diversion Project for Lucan, County Dublin in order to provide an effective response to the needs of marginalised youth in the area. [13346/07]

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. It is my intention to ensure that 100 projects will be established nationwide before the end of 2007.

The Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals to me for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects following periodic assessment of applications received from community groups etc. The locations for new 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. Should an application be received for a Garda Youth Diversion Project in the Lucan area it will be given due consideration by the Garda Commissioner.