Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new Garda diversion schemes established since June 2002. [13763/07]

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. 20 new Garda Youth Diversion Projects have been established since June 2002, bringing the total number of projects to 84.

The Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals to me for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects following 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. It is my intention to ensure that 100 projects will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. A number of proposals are currently under consideration in the context of this further expansion of the programme. The successful projects will be announced within the next two months.