Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 1013: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the present circumstances of a scheme (details supplied) on the westside of Galway City; if the report commissioned giving details on this scheme is available for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20474/07]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 1014: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide further details on the 12 new Garda youth diversion projects recently announced; the nature, location and funding available to the project envisioned for Galway; if it is planned that this project will be operational alongside an established scheme (details supplied) of this nature based on the westside of the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20475/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1013 and 1014 together.

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 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.

The recent establishment of 12 new Garda Youth Diversion Projects brings the current total to 93 projects operating throughout the country. This represents significant progress towards fulfilling the pledge made by the Government to increase the number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects in Ireland to 100 by the end of this year. I am confident that this target is an attainable one.

The 12 recently announced projects are based in the following areas, three in Dublin, Store Street, Dublin 1, Brookfield in Tallaght, and Swords, Co Dublin, two in Cork, Douglas and Youghal and one in each of the following areas; Limerick City, Galway City, Falcarragh, Co Donegal, Portarlington, Co Laois, Drogheda, Co Louth, Tramore, Co Waterford and Enniscorthy Co. Wexford. Each of these projects, including the newly established Garda Youth Diversion Project in Galway City, will be provided with an annual budget of €75,000 minimum to provide for their operation costs each year.

The project on the westside of Galway city to which the Deputy refers was suspended in May 2005 following the withdrawal of the services of the management company funded to operate the project. Prior to the establishment of another project in the area, an independent evaluation was carried out on behalf of the Garda Commissioner to assess the need for a Garda Youth Diversion Project in the Galway area. I am pleased to advise you that the new Garda Youth Diversion Project in Galway is to be established in the westside area of Galway City. This project will be managed by Foróige and a new Project Management Committee has been established.